Larry Ray Williams

Larry Ray Williams, 87, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2026. Born in Monterey Park, California, on October 21, 1938, to Raymond and Lola Williams, Larry was the second of four children. He attended schools in Visalia and graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in 1956. His family attended Noble Avenue Church of Christ, where he met the love of his life, Sara Jo Beene. They married on May 16, 1958, raised three children, and devoted their lives to serving God and their family. Larry worked for Hannah Trucking for more than 30 years, serving in many roles. In addition to working as a dispatcher, he was a mechanic and painter and helped manage the drivers. After retiring from the trucking industry, he began farming in East Visalia. He purchased a dozer and spent countless hours pushing trees, ripping ground, piling brush, and-as he liked to say-tearing things up. This was his true passion, and he loved nothing more than putting in a full day of hard work and coming home covered in dirt from head to toe. Larry and Sara dreamed of living in the country, so they purchased property in northeast Visalia and built their dream home. Sara created beautiful gardens, while Larry planted trees and built brick walkways and patios. Together, they spent many hours on the porch enjoying the beauty of their natural surroundings. After Sara's passing, Larry married Donna Rodrigues. Larry and Donna spent most of their years together on the ranch and had recently moved to Quail Park on Cypress. Larry was a faithful member of the West Visalia Church of Christ. He was also a past member and president of the Ivanhoe Lions Club and a founding member of the Ivanhoe Pie Auction, which supported the Ivanhoe Lions Club, the Ivanhoe Boys & Girls Club, and the Ivanhoe American Legion. He belonged to the Happy Honkers Model A Club and generously supported many other organizations through his time and financial contributions. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 58 years, Sara; and his grandson, lan Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Donna; his son, Mark (Debbie) Williams of Tulare; his daughters, Lesle Burchell of Tulare and LeAnne (Mark) Pratt of Visalia; his grandchildren, Britni (Joey) Sahagun, Kelsey (Anthony) Payne, Bryce (Corn) Ramsey, Tyler Williams, Erik (Courtney) Volden, Audra Pratt, and Sawyer Pratt; eight great-grandchildren; and many other loving family members and friends. A viewing will be held at Salser & Dillard, 127E. Caldwell Avenue, on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Pipeline Church, 11720 Avenue 264, on Saturday, August 29, at 11:00 a.m. Larry's family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Quail Park for the dedicated and compassionate care they provided during his final days. Their kindness and support were truly exceptional. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Ivanhoe Lions Club in support of its local service projects. Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Larry's life and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Larry Ray Williams

October 21, 1938 - August 3, 2026