Lawrence E. Gries, 80, of Ellisville, Mississippi, died Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He was born Thursday, December 1, 1938, in Iowa.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at the Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held graveside at 10:30 AM at Ellisville City Cemetery. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (601) 477-3797.

Larry was an over-the-road truck driver all his life. He was an avid pheasant hunter and a staunch proponent of safe hunting practices. Larry possessed good handyman and carpentry skills and enjoyed fixing and repairing things. Larry cherished his family and friends, but his sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughter, and great-grandson were the joys of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Helen Gries, and son Michael Kelly Gries.

Survivors include his son John (Cheryl) Gries; two daughters LeAnn (Klaus) Kocher, and Kathy Jo Gries; four grandsons Jeff (Chelsea) McKinney, Michael Gries, Mitchell Gries, and Tristen Kocher; granddaughter Cera Kocher; and great-grandson Deacon McKinney.

Pallbearers will be Larry Looney, Chip Looney, Ron Maxey, Zan Carter, Stan Blackledge and Curtis Jones.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com