Larry Allen Wilson, 72, of Paducah, KY went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 5, 2026 surrounded by a legacy of faith, family, service, and a whole lot of stories worth retelling.
Larry was born on June 13, 1953, to Carl and Dorothy Wilson. He graduated from Livingston County High School in 1971 and headed straight to Barber College in Lexington, Kentucky, launching what would become not just a career, but a calling. At a young age, Larry gave his life to Christ, a decision that shaped every part of the life he lived thereafter.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothy Wilson, and his younger brother, Terry Wilson. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary “Elaine” Wilson, the love of his life. He was the proud father of his twin sons, Jeffrey Wilson (Katrina) of Tampa, Florida, and Michael Wilson (Nikki) of Fishers, Indiana-boys he never stopped bragging about. His greatest joy, however, was being “Poppy” to Ellie and Nolan, who had him completely wrapped around their fingers and loving every second of it. He is also survived by his brother, Lynn Wilson (Rebecca) of Paducah, many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, a whole bunch of nieces and nephews he adored watching grow up, and his lifelong “married couple” friends, Gary & Sue and Tim & Kim.
Though miles separated Larry from his children and grandchildren, distance never limited his devotion. He showed up to ball games, birthdays, special events, and family trips to be present where it mattered most.
Larry didn’t just serve individuals-he served his community. He worked for the McCracken County School System from 1999-2021, serving at Farley Elementary and Reidland Intermediate School, including roles as Truancy Coordinator and In-School Detention Proctor. He was the Director of Club Farley, a Volunteer in Police Services (VIPS) member for many years, and represented his community on the McCracken County Board of Education, including a term as Board Chairman.
Larry also coached baseball and softball, served as a KHSAA umpire, was part of the Farley Neighborhood Watch, and faithfully served his church as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. While Larry never boasted about what some might call his “community service,” those closest to him knew his quiet generosity well. It was never a surprise to find his barber shop overflowing with toys and clothes during the holidays-gifts secretly delivered to children he personally knew were in need-or to see an extra neighbor seated at the family table. Larry lived his faith out loud but served quietly.
Larry was a special initiate member of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity, a bond he proudly shared with both of his sons. KA’s are known as “southern gentlemen,” and Larry embodied that title completely-once even driving five hours in a seersucker suit just to attend his son’s Derby party.
Larry’s passions were many and unmistakable: Jesus, sharing Jesus with others, his family, hunting (crossbow and muzzle-loader), and proudly taking his 1976 Stepside Chevy-affectionately known as “Blackie” to car shows. He was a barber by trade (one of his many trades) and owned his shop for 47 years. If you ever sat in his chair, you listened to K-Love, talked about Jesus, and took in a room filled with photos of his family and a healthy amount of St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia. One of his recent passions was genealogy, uncovering family connections through ancestry DNA. He delighted in announcing to anyone who would listen that he was related to Robert the Bruce and Mary, Queen of Scots. While the rest of us may not have shared his enthusiasm, we gladly let him entertain us with the excitement and joy he found in his discoveries.
At age 60, Larry decided to start running-because why not? He ran until age 71, when an injury finally slowed him down. During those eleven years, he traveled to meet his son, Jeffrey, in different cities to run half-marathons with him. Larry often placed first in his age group, just in case anyone needed reminding that he was awesome. The Cooper River Bridge Run was one of his favorites. While Larry and Jeffrey always started the race together, Larry was adamant that Jeffrey run his own race, and Larry sure did that in his own life. What special memories were held during those 11 years with his son. Although the exact number of races is unknown, we counted 34 race medals & bibs hanging in his shop.
And in a plot twist no one saw coming, late in life Larry somehow became a cat lover, adopting two outside cats who ultimately found their forever home…in his lap. So, if you’re looking for some cats, please wait a respectable amount of time before asking his family if you can adopt them. We’re thinking two days is enough time.
Larry lived a life of deep faith, joyful service, and genuine love for people. A huge hole will be felt by this community, but his family is grateful to have shared him with so many, and certain that he helped countless people they will never even know about.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Heartland Church’s Jumpstart Program, where Larry loved volunteering.
Larry would want it clearly stated here that he is in Heaven, and that there is only one way to see him again, through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Any member of his family would be honored to have that conversation with you. And if Heaven has a barber shop, we’re certain K-Love is playing, the stories are flowing, and Larry is right where he belongs.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with another visitation also on Saturday, January 10, from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service. A graveside service at Brookhill Cemetery will immediately follow.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
