Larry Eugene Bandy, 73, passed away on August 18, 2022. He was born in Phoenix, Ariz., on January 18, 1949, to Jewell Eugene Bandy and Myrtle Bandy.
Larry was a quiet, caring, and peaceful person. He served his country by serving in the Army for two years. He was a talented craftsman in leather and jewelry making, as well as a blacksmith. During his time living in Arizona, he volunteered in Glendale, Ariz., as a blacksmith and was a courier for seven years for Alhambra School District. Larry also lived in New Mexico for a time, where he managed Smokey Bear Park and worked for thirty years as a forest firefighter for the state. In Arkansas, Larry was a proud member of the American Mountain Men brotherhood which seeks to preserve and teach the ways of the early American explorers and pioneers, the mountain men. He took his family to weekend reenactments with the American Mountain Men in Petite Jean and Leslie, Ark. Most of all, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved being a part of his kids’ lives, whether that be going to archery tournaments or basketball games, fishing, watching western movies, NASCAR, gun shows, or baseball games.
Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those that loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jerry Bandy; sister, Barbara Regusci; and stepdaughter, Dedra Aguilera. He is survived by his loving wife, Dixie Bandy; sons, Cameron, Michael, and Joseph; daughters, Emily, Alyson, and Ashley Langfitt; brother, Garry Bandy of Springfield, Ore.; sister, Phyllis Baroldy (David) of Tempe, Arizona; uncle, John Darrell Stewart; and grandchildren, Benjamin Aguilera, Jaeden, and Mackenzie of Chino, Cal.; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A visitation will be held at Willis Funeral Service on Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Tyler Bramlett, will be held at Bethesda Campground Cemetery on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 2 p.m.
