John Lawrence “Larry” Motley, Sr., 79, of Lanett, Alabama, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama.
Larry reunited with the love of his life, Shirley, wife of 53 years.
Larry was born in West Point, Georgia on January 31, 1943, to the late Wilmot Eugene Motley, and LaMerle Harrison Motley of Lanett, Alabama. Brothers Gene, David, and Bobby also preceded him in death.
Larry, most lovingly known by most as “Dobby”, is survived by his son, John Lawrence Motley, Jr., of Lanett, Alabama; his daughter, Laurin Motley (Jeff) Jennings of Lake Harding, Alabama; 4 beautiful grandchildren – Mitchell Jennings, Drew Jennings, Tripp Motley, and Jayden Motley; and brother, Jim Motley of Columbus, Georgia.
Larry grew up in Lanett, attending Lanett schools where he played football and basketball, and was a member of a 4-man quartet. In his senior year of high school, he was Vice-President of his class, Captain of the football team, and voted Most Athletic and Most Popular by his classmates. He graduated from Lanett High School in 1961 and attended his 61st Class Reunion last month. He is a true Panther!
Following high school, Larry attended Troy University in Troy, Alabama and graduated in 1967.
On July 1, 1967, Larry married Shirley Bradley Motley of Lanett, Alabama. They had a wonderful life together with their children and grandchildren.
Larry worked for West Point Pepperell in West Point, Georgia his entire career as an Industrial Engineer in Quality Control, and later as a Supervisor for West Point Graphics until his retirement in 2004.
Larry loved Auburn and often discussed football and basketball with Tripp. It is incredible how much these two knew about the players and coaches. Both shared a love for NASCAR. Dobby always sent a family text as a reminder of an upcoming race, then followed with a thumbs up or thumbs down if one of his favorite drivers did not win.
Dobby and Jayden shared a love for music. This brought many fun times of singing or playing the guitar and keyboard. Dobby made sure to let Jayden shine most of the time, but “Jerry Lee Motley” would find his way out to entertain a crowd.
Drew kept Dobby on the road with baseball games, as he never wanted to miss an inning. Dobby threw out the first pitch to Drew during his senior year at Auburn High School to honor Shirley and others that were battling cancer. Drew has Larry’s dark, wavy hair and his ability to steal the dance floor.
Mitchell loved hanging out with Dobby and GG, and they with him, as he was the first and only grandchild for 7 years. Dobby was proud of Mitchell’s football, basketball, and baseball talent, but most enjoyed his fishing success. One look and you know Mitchell is a Motley. One conversation and you know he is related to Larry – smile, quick wit, dry humor and all.
A dual service for Larry and Shirley will be held Friday, August 19, 2022, at Lanett United Methodist Church in Lanett, Alabama at 11:00 AM EDT.
Visitation and a Celebration of Life will follow the service in the fellowship hall. The family welcomes family and friends to come to share memories, food, and fellowship.
Please visit his Memorial Tribute Wall at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind message for his family, share a memory of Larry, or light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
