Larry Ray Harrington

Larry Ray Harrington, 76, of Mineral Wells, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2024. He was born in Mineral Wells to Alek Ray and Margaret Briscoe Harrington on February 21, 1948. 

 Larry attended school in the Progress Community south of Mineral Wells for the first seven years of his education. Like most young boys, he enjoyed exploring the countryside with his cousins and playing Little League. Following the seventh grade students were transferred to the Mineral Wells Independent School District where he attended Junior High and graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1966.

 Upon graduation from high school, Larry attended Weatherford College, receiving an Associate Arts Degree and completed his college education at Tarleton State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Texas Teaching Certificate in Mathematics in December 1970. 

Larry accepted a teaching position at Mineral Wells High School in January 1971 and began a career that culminated in 30 years of dedicated service to the Mineral Wells Independent School District. His early classroom assignments were basic mathematics courses, and he eventually moved into teaching the school’s most advanced mathematics courses. He constantly sought ways to help students conquer difficult math concepts and was always available to give students tutoring opportunities. 

 Beyond the world of education, he enjoyed spending time farming and ranching. In the summers between school terms, he cut and baled hay for himself as well as custom baled for others. Following his retirement from teaching, he engaged in farming and ranching full time and spent many hours learning to work on his equipment, preparing the soil for crops and improving his cattle production. Neighboring farmers often asked for advice concerning their farming methods.

 A committed Christian, Larry served in the church all his life. He made a profession of faith at an early age at Fairview Baptist Church and later served as a Sunday School teacher, a Royal Ambassador leader and on various committees. In 1980, he began attending First Baptist Church where he was ordained a deacon. There he served two terms as Chairman of the Deacons, a Sunday School teacher of more than thirty years, and seven years as the church treasurer. He was also instrumental in building sets for dinner theaters, children’s musicals and other special events.

 “. . . make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…” (I Thessalonians 4: 11-12 NIV)

 Larry is survived by his sister, Pat Harrington; numerous cousins; friends like family, Bobby and Aneta Baker, Glenn and Wendy Baker and their children, Brady and Ryan and Jana Baker; and two aunts, Freddie Harrington and Jean Harrington. 

 The family wishes to thank caregivers, Terri Mitchell, Mynitta Stinson and Heather Adkins for the care and concern they provided for him.

 Funeral services will be held Friday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Dr. Mark Bumpus officiating and assisted by Dr. Nathan Buchanan and John Tunnell. Burial will follow at Willow Pond Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Baker, Glenn Baker, Scott Adkins, Jack Houghton, Bill O’Quin and Danny Walton.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, South Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas, or the charity of your choice.