John Larry French

On September 10, 2023, John Larry French—our loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, caring brother, beloved uncle, and loyal friend—went to be with Jesus.  He was 76 years young and a larger-than-life presence to so many who spent time and shared memories with him.  

John thrived on entertaining any audience captivating all who were near with amusing stories or imparting his love of Ole Miss or the Saints.  A lengthy illness required that he retire as a Nationwide Insurance agent after almost 40 years.  As a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, John relied on his steadfast faith to sustain him through his numerous medical issues from his heart attack to his heart and kidney transplants, and dialysis over the course of the last 8 years.  Prior to his career with Nationwide, he owned a men’s clothing store in Alabama and was in the Naval Reserves. 

He is joyfully reunited with his father John Edison French, his mother Cora Lee French, his two baby sisters, Vicki Lee French and Terri French Hall, and his beloved pets, who loved their daddy. He leaves a loving family behind who will miss him profoundly and feel his absence deeply:  Marcia Randall French, wife; John L. French, Jr., son; Savannah Gabrielle French, daughter; two grandchildren, Tillery and John French; and Sharron French Lowe, sister.

John was so grateful for the opportunity of his “rebirth” after receiving a heart and a kidney transplant.  These two organs from a generous donor gave John five more years of life and laughter with the people he loved most in this world.  He spoke frequently of his appreciation to the family of the donor, the medical team at Ochsner in New Orleans, and how humble he was to be blessed with a second chance at life.  He encouraged organ donation and loved to share the joy that came from such a selfless gesture.  As part of his legacy, for those grieving alongside his family, please consider organ donation as there is no better gift to give than the gift of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Adoration Chapel or the Humane Society of South Mississippi.

A visitation will be on Friday, September 15, 2023, from 9 - 11 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS 39560.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church.  Entombment will be in Southern Memorial Park.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family and online condolences may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com