Larry Ray Garlich, 82 of Nashville departed this life on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 2:06 pm in his home with the love of his family around him.  Larry was born on June, 20,1942 in Belleville, to Ray and Ulanee Bowie Garlich of Plum Hill, graduating from Okawville High School in 1960.  Larry met his wife of 62 years, Elaine Garlich while attending Centralia Beaty School.  Larry and Elaine owned and operated Garlich Beauty Salon in Nashville, IL.  Larry began a Photography business, privately and for the Army Core of Engineers, photographing the building of Bridges and Lock and Damns at surrounding areas.  Larry began the first EMS services in Nashville, IL which is now known as Washington County Ambulance Services. Larry was involved in the first EMT classes in Southern Illinois and the first Paramedic class held at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.  Larry worked as a Paramedic until his retirement in 2000.  Larry was the Civil Defense Director for Washington County, serving on the board that designed and built the first Washington County Civil Defense building.  Larry served as an EMT, CPR and ACLS Instructor. Larry also served as a Police Officer for the town of Ashley, IL and a Deputy Coroner for Washinton County. He was a funeral assistant for several years with Krupp Funeral Home and later Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville.

Larry was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Nashville where he sang in the choir for over 50 years.  He was part of the southern Illinois Sportsmen Association and served on the committee to develop the FOID Card and Hunter Safety Coarse for the State of Illinois. He also served on the Washington County Sheriff’s Merritt Commission and was a former member and secretary of the Nashville Lions Club.  He loved hunting and spending time at the family woods.  Larry loved his family, the St Louis Cardinal Baseball Team and Nashville Hornet Sports.  If there was a game, he was in attendance or listening to it on the radio. He would not miss a game.  Larry enjoyed driving the bus for Schmale Bus Services, that drove sport teams, school trips, and his “Girl Friends” Cheerleaders to the games and competitions. He loved to hunt fish, do woodworking and ride horses.  

Larry loved his three children, Joseph Garlich and wife Robin of Nashville, Debbie Gibbs and Phil May of Nashville, and Anthony Garlich and late wife Laura of Plum Hill.  Larry loved and enjoyed spending time with his nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Brother, Donald Garlich, Step Grandson, Timothy Murphy and Great Grandson, Conner Dees. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church in Nashville with Rev. Leanne Noland officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s UCC cemetery in Plum Hill.  Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church with a First Responder walk through at 7:00.  Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.styningerfuneralhomes.com or on the funeral homes Facebook page.