Larry Gene Earl, age 72, of Ringgold, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home.
Larry was born on June 24, 1953, in Effingham, Illinois, to Edna Mae (Bradley) Earl and James Leroy Earl. He was raised in Herrin, Illinois, where he graduated high school and formed lifelong friendships that reflected his gift for connection and loyalty.
In 1982, Larry moved to Lake Wales, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Zella Elliott. They were married in 1984 and, just one year later, answered God’s call into full-time ministry. Together, Larry and Zella devoted their lives to serving others through youth ministry, pastoring, and discipleship across several states, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Missouri. Everywhere Larry served, he built deep, rooted friendships and left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Larry was larger than life — strong and confident in his calling, yet deeply sensitive, caring, and tender. He was a consistent presence, a hard worker, and a faithful shepherd. Known for his humor and memorable sayings, Larry had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.
Above all, Larry was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, pastor, and loyal friend. He loved the Lord deeply, and his faith guided every aspect of his life. While his absence leaves a profound ache, his family rejoices in knowing he is now whole, healed, and free from pain.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Edna Mae and James Leroy Earl; one niece (Janice Earl); one sister-in-law (Elizabeth Mason); brother-in-law (Jerry Elliott), and his brother-in-law, Terry Clayton.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Zella Earl; his children, Leah (Chris) Mullins of Ringgold, Georgia, and John (Alison) Earl of Perry, Georgia; his siblings, Randall (Linda) Earl of Collinsville, Illinois; Marlene (Bob) Simpson of Herrin, Illinois; and Darla Clayton of Noble, Oklahoma; and his cherished grandchildren, Josiah, Ella, and Cade, who brought him immense joy.
Larry’s legacy of faith, service, humor, and love will continue to live on through all who knew him.
Memorials are requested to Autism Speaks, American Cancer Society or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and will be accepted at the Church or can be mailed to Allan & Ciuferi Funeral Home, 314 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the First Church of God, 1409 Broeking Road, Marion, IL from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Absher officiating. Burial will be in Herrin City Cemetery, Herrin, IL.
Allan & Ciuferi Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL and Brintlinger & Earl Funeral Home are assisting the family.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Larry G. Earl, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
23
Jan
1409 Broeking Road
Marion, IL 62959
Service
23
Jan
1409 Broeking Road
Marion, IL 62959
Cemetery Details
Location
1324 East Stotlar Street
Herrin, IL 62948
