Larry R. Gearhart

Larry Ray Gearhart, 67 of McConnellsburg, PA, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 10, 2015, while surrounded by family and friends. Larry was born April 16, 1948, in Berkeley Springs, WV and later he lived in Big Cove Tannery, PA where he graduated from McConnellsburg High School in 1966.  He married Brenda Martz of Hustontown, PA, and they remained married for 44 years, until his death. His life history includes being a veteran of the US Army Reserves; he worked at Grove manufacturing in Shady Grove, and later at Richards Auto Sales in McConnellsburg, before he became the owner and operator of Larry's Lawn Service in Hagerstown, MD.  Larry was also a faithful member in good standing at the Friendship Baptist Church in Newville, PA, where he led the congregational singing, ran the sound recording equipment and sang bass in the choir. His grandmother, Alverna Gearhart, with whom he lived for most of his youth, preceded Larry in death as did his mother Dorothy (Dot) Flowers and his father Ray George Gearhart. He is survived by his wife Brenda Gearhart of McConnellsburg, PA; his daughter Nicole Black and husband, Richard and 7 grandchildren: Ricky, Meghan, Abigail,  Josiah, Lydia, Micaiah and Olivia, of Blain, PA.  He is also survived by his son Michael Gearhart and wife Corrie of  Needmore, PA; his daughter Rebekah McVey and husband, Timothy of Chambersburg, PA; step brother Stanley Gearhart, and his half brothers Randy and David Gearhart. Larry loved his family, his church and his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was born again by the marvelous grace of God September 7, 1975, and his life changed. One of his great joys in life, was making friends wherever he went. He also loved his business, where his customers were not just clients, but also friends. A time of visitation with the family, and viewing of the body, will be held at Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc. in McConnellsburg, PA on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 2-8 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at Calvary Independent Baptist Church, on Hwy 522 North of McConnellsburg, PA, at 11 A.M. on Thursday, May 14, 2015, with a graveside service to follow at Hartman Cemetery in Hustontown, PA. Larry's pastor, Richard Black Sr. will be officiating the services, and his sons in law, Pastor Richard Black Jr. and Evangelist Timothy McVey will also have a part in these services.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.howardlsipes.com. Larry Ray Gearhart, a husband, a father, a Christian; died as he lived, "Having made peace through the blood of His cross".