Obituary for William H. Larry Barnhill
William H. (Larry) Barnhill, 92, died at his home on April 28, 2023, in the arms of Becky, his loving wife of 73 years. Both have been long-time Harrisburg residents and business owners.
Larry was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 18, 1930. He was the middle child of nine born to Paul and Howard (Gordon) Barnhill.
He graduated Salutatorian from East Prairie High School in Missouri, where he excelled at football. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Becky Halter on July 5, 1949.
Larry is survived by Becky; two children: Mike Barnhill (Karen) of Harrisburg and Laura Williams (Arthur) of Bloomington, Illinois; three grandchildren: Brad Barnhill (Tiffany) of Harrisburg, Heather Estrada (Ruben) of Normal, Illinois, and Kasey Hollenbeck of Hermitage, Tennessee; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his cat, Caspar; and dear friend Bill Sandusky.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Paul Barnhill, Jack Barnhill, and Ben Barnhill; sisters: June Barnhill, Betty Taylor, Jane Boggs, Sue Barnhill, and Mary Ann Barnhill.
Larry worked incredibly hard and was committed to providing for his family. In 1948, he and his father opened Barnhill’s Market, a small fruit stand in Harrisburg. After his father passed, Larry and Becky continued running the business that eventually grew into a super market. They owned it until 1972. For 15 years, Larry made weekly drives to St. Louis where he personally selected fresh produce for the market. In 1972 he and Becky opened the Harrisburg Kentucky Fried Chicken, later adding KFCs in Eldorado, West Frankfort, and Metropolis. They retired from KFC in 2005, at the young age of 75!
During his lifetime he enjoyed fishing on the Ohio river and Barkley Lake, bowling on two leagues, and playing tennis. Opponents often commented on Larry’s “wicked backhand.” He had a passion for gardening. Some years he raised 400 tomato plants, starting them from seed. He was also very active with Mike’s Khoury League team, assisting the coach and umpiring. He and Becky enjoyed many adventures in their motor home.
He was a lifelong Methodist, and member of the Harrisburg First United Methodist Church. Larry proudly became the first male member of the Susannah Wesley Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Harrisburg Elks Lodge and Sons of the American Legion.
Funeral services will be May 6 at the Harrisburg First United Methodist Church, 122 West Poplar. Visitation will be from 9-11:00 am, and funeral at 11:00. Burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Reverend Doctor Tom Logsden will officiate. J. M. Weirauch (www.weirauchfuneralhome.com) is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the Harrisburg First United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
To plant a tree in memory of William H. Larry Barnhill, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
6
May
9:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Harrisburg First United Methodist Church
West Poplar St.
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Service
Saturday
6
May
11:00 AM
Harrisburg First United Methodist Church
West Poplar St.
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Cemetery Details
Location
Sunset Lawn Cemetery
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Harrisburg, IL 62946
Memorial Contribution
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