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he showered everyone with his love for Jesus and showed immense gratitude for everyone who came through his door.

Larry McClanahan, age 86, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior on September 22nd, 2026. He was warmly surrounded by his precious wife, Judy, and a plethora of family members. Larry was born in Centerville, TN to the late Revo Jones McClanahan and the late Lottie (Shepherd) McClanahan on November 1, 1939.

He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Jack, Bud, Bill, Bob and his sister, Janie McCrary.

During Larry’s teenage years, his family moved to East Point, Georgia where he attended Russell High School. Upon graduation, he served in the Navy for four years and then in the Navy Reserves. A man of many skills, he worked at C&S Bank before entering the building trade working with his brother at Bud McClanahan, Inc. in association with Cousins Property and Knox Homes. He later owned and operated the Fairburn Feed Store in Fairburn, GA while running a thriving farm.

He was an adored Fayette County school bus driver and anyone who knows him knows why that is true. He safely and joyfully carried those lucky students from one side of Fayette County to the other daily. When McIntosh High School opened in 1981, Larry could be seen galloping on his horse across the football field at their home games as the McIntosh Chief mascot. For many years, he was a devoted member of Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA.

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he loved to share his expert wisdom and made it fun with his stories.

He fell in love with Judith Fitts McClanahan at a Russell High School reunion and married her in 1989. Soon after, he began a stellar career at The Home Depot that lasted over 20 years. His building expertise and exuberant customer service endeared him to management and customers alike. He justifiably earned the nickname, Mr. Home Depot, along with numerous corporate accolades and awards. The Home Depot book, Home Improvement 1-2-3, published in 1995, includes appreciation for his “wisdom of the aisles.”

However, the most important work he did as a loving husband, father and “PeePaw” was to build a beautiful home in the north Georgia mountains where he and Judy hosted numerous family members and friends while preparing countless meals and celebrations that left a legacy of unconditional love. After spending time with Larry, you left with your sides hurting from laughing, your confidence bolstered and your Christian faith enriched and restored.

Whether it was growing tomatoes and vegetables, repairing machinery, playing country music for his chickens (his girls), he loved to share his expert wisdom and made it fun with his stories. He bestowed endearing nicknames on the children in his life making them feel so very special even through their adult years. Best of all, though, he showered everyone with his love for Jesus and showed immense gratitude for everyone who came through his door. His best advice to everyone was, “Go pat yourself on the back!” and his favorite song was “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill. We know with confidence that he is now truly resting in Heaven.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Judith Fitts McClanahan and his children and grandchildren from his first marriage to Ann Hall Lagerstrom: his son, James B (Jennifer) McClanahan and their children, Sean McClanahan and Brigitte (Nathan Martin) McClanahan and his daughter, Micki McClanahan Jones and her children, Nathan Jones and Jake Jones.

He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Clayton, and his sister, Rita (Benny) Lance, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted stepfather/grandfather/great grandfather to Judy’s sons and their families: Barry (Merry) Fitts and their children, Joey (Patty) Fitts and their daughters, Hailee Mae and Piper Joe, Grace (Trevor) Knight and their son, Adler, Lily Fitts and Luke Fitts; Albert (Nina) Fitts and their children, Aaron (Taelor) Fitts and their son, Riley, and Merrill Fitts; Ben (Emily) Fitts and his son, William Fitts; and Paul Fitts and his daughters, Brittany, Megan and Aubrey Fitts.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00pm at Clayton First United Methodist Church, 71 South Main Street, Clayton, GA. A meet and greet will follow for family and friends.

If desired, donations may be made to Clayton First United Methodist Church Rabun Aid Program or the Creative Learning Center, P.O. Box 703, Clayton, GA 30525 in memory of Larry McClanahan.