Larry Mac Kimmerling, 87, passed away surrounded by loved ones following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Salina, KS to Lorene Madison Kimmerling and Effie Christina Kimmerling, early photos of Larry exude a joy and charisma that would follow him throughout his life.

Larry spent his formative years in Salem, OR where his charm and ability to connect with others was honed as Yell Man on the South Salem High School Rally Squad, and as a member of his class council. By the time he graduated in 1957, he was well-practiced in lighting up every room he entered by grace of his magnetic personality and infectious laugh.

From graduation, he served his nation as a seaman apprentice in the United States Navy aboard the USS Columbus. After his military service, Larry relocated to Paterson, New Jersey where he attended university, started work at State Farm Insurance, and met the love
of his life, Barbara.

Larry and Barbara raised their two sons in Bloomington and Lexington, IL where Larry continued to lead by example as a pillar of his community as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason, serving as senior deacon for the Bloomington Masonic Temple, and as a volunteer firefighter for the Lexington Fire Dept.

In 1995, Larry and Barbara retired to Redington Shores, FL and Larry seized the opportunity to throw himself into his community once again. In 2003 he became commodore at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club and went on to become the head of the Florida Commodores Association, promoting youth and young adult sailing programs and sponsoring Olympian and para-Olympians athletes. He was an active member of his church, previously serving as a moderator for Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach, and more recently as a congregation member at First Christian Church of Seminole.

Larry's memory lives on through his wife Barbara, his sisters Monti Randal and Linda Ashfield, his sons Michael Kimmerling (Beth) and Mark Kimmerling (Kelly), his grandchildren Rachael Kimmerling, Morgan Wurster (Sam), Mady Pickett (Jon), Max Hassett (Chesney), Brett Hassett, and his great grandchildren Lincoln Wurster, VIvian Wurster, and Clifford "CJ" Pickett.

Those wishing to continue Larry's legacy of community impact can make donations in his memory to First Christian Church Seminole Missions and the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation of Tampa, FL ( https://www.moffitt.org/give/) .

A celebration of life will be held at Lake Seminole Square and First Christian Church Seminole.
Details to follow.

This obituary was written by his granddaughter who would like everyone to know how fiercely he loved up until the very end. She will most fondly cherish plotting with him to surprise grandma for her birthday, watching any sport together with rapt attention and enthusiasm, walking hand in hand on the beach, and knowing he would never say no to getting ice cream.