Larry Cleveland Gressett Sr. was 33 years old when God took him home to his heaven. He was a volunteer firefighter at Toomsuba Fire Department in Toomsuba‚ Mississippi. Larry was also a member of L.E.M.A.

Larry loved being a firefighter‚ but he drowned trying to save another man. He was a very special person that always tried to help other people. My son died being a hero.

Larry was a single father to two young sons‚ Larry Jr. and Waylon. He was the greatest daddy they could ever have had‚ always playing and having good times. Larry’s younger brother‚ Kevin‚ lost his best friend. We lost a son who is loved and missed every day. But he will always be remembered as a fallen hero who lost his life in the line of duty.

Larry was also a truck driver. He worked for Webster Electric and loved driving an eighteen-wheeler. We always called him ‘Mr. Breeze’ since he was always blowing down the road. Sometimes he wore a black cowboy hat‚ and he always had a great big smile for everyone.

As a Christian‚ Larry was a member of Salem Baptist Church. He took his sons to church and Sunday school every Sunday. Larry believed in God‚ and now he is a very special angel in God’s heaven. We all hope to see him again there some day.

At the Toomsuba Fire Station‚ Larry Jr. and Waylon were honored with a plaque by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. On October 11‚ 2011‚ Larry Gressett Sr. was added to the firefighters’ memorial in Pearl‚ Mississippi. He will always be missed but never forgotten.

Memories and pictures are a treasure to his family and friends. His crazy laugh and big smile are missed by a lot of people every day. Larry was a brave young man who loved his family‚ country‚ and all fire and rescue members. He lost his life doing what he wanted to do‚ being a firefighter‚ way too young. He will remain in our hearts forever.

On February 17‚ 2011‚ my son lost his life trying to save a stranger’s life. I am very proud to say Larry C. Gressett Sr. is my son.