Larry Collinson

Larry Collinson 77, of Senatobia MS, went home to drive the big highway in the sky on April 24th 2020.  Larry was born in Raymond, OH on November 11th 1942 to Carroll SR and Pearle Collinson.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the USS Eaton.   He survived the Canadian wilderness in a cabin built with his hands and trapping and trading and living off the land, it wasn't easy but he'd proudly tell you stories about it if you asked.  He met his wife of 43 years, Jody Collinson in 1976 and they spent the next few years living the dream, traveling the country in everything from a school bus to an RV, joining motorcycle clubs full of elderly people and even earning yard of the month at an RV park in Texas at one point, boy he was proud of that one.   In 1982 they settled in Las Vegas and began climbing the ranks in the casino industry.  From Poker player to casino executive, he did it all.  Their daughter Michelle was born in Kingman, AZ 1983 and son Kyle followed in 1989.  From building a back yard petting zoo, to tiny kid dirt bikes, to weekend warrior trips to every national park west of the Mississippi, he gave his family so many unforgettable experiences in their time in the West.   In 1994  he started a new adventure and moved to the south.  He was the owner of L & J Vending Inc., a small but successful family operated vending company based in Senatobia.   He was the most dedicated father and husband any one could have ever asked for.  There was never a single event in the lives of his children that he ever missed.  If he had to drive 1700 miles he'd be there faster than you could fly.  In 2012 his partner in crime aka grandson Collin Coopwood was born and a whole new adventure began, through thick and thin they were inseparable.  Grandpa & Sport taking rides in the race car to get milkshakes and candy from Alex's was a daily thing after school.  Always a sports car man, he found his true happy place when he began joining car clubs and going on rides with his fellow muscle car enthusiast.  A member of Mustangs of the Mid-South, among others, nothing got his spirits higher than going out on a ride and meeting new faces.  He never met a stranger, and he found purpose in including the new people and making them feel empowered and welcome.  Larry was one of a kind, ask anyone who knew him.  He lived a hundred lives in this 77 years on this Earth.  He found the beauty in the mundane, he appreciated nature in a way few do and passed that on to his children. He'd always take the scenic route if given the option, trees, and flowers, mountains, streams, stars and the milky way there was little he didn't appreciate. He was as patriotic as they come, loved his country and the constitution, he followed politics and current events with passion.    A man with a thousand stories and an infinite amount of wisdom, a listening ear and an infectious smile.   He may not always tell you that he loved you but he would sure show you through his actions.  To say he will be missed is an understatement, the world is a heavier place today without him.   Larry was a man of great stature.  Good or bad he was real as they come and would push you beyond your limits because he knew you were capable of more. His passion was living and he did that better than anyone.  His tone demanded respect, yet was welcomed by the softest ear. The next adventure is what drove him and he lived it through others. To quote him;  "As long as I remain on the right side of the turf and have loose change in my pocket for fuel, I'm ready, able and willing any time! Lets roll! Distance doesn't matter, mountains on the horizon, sun at my back and moonlight as my guide, I'm coming home."

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