Larry ”Garr” James Paynter, age 63 of Elkhart, TX, passed away in his home on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Larry was born on October 27, 1959 in Welch, West Virginia, and was the son of the late James Kermit and Edna Paynter of Steeles, WV.

Larry graduated from Baileysville High School in 1977. Directly after high school he went to work for United Light and Power and Iaeger Water Works in Iaegar, WV. In 1978, Larry joined the United States Army—during his service he received the US Army Commendation Award, a Letter of Commendation and Achievement as Sergeant. After his military career, he began a career in the oil fields of Texas. Larry then spent the rest of his career in the equipment rental and sales business—of which he spent 22 years devoted to Red Hat Rentals as a store manager in Fairfield, TX, and retired in May of 2023.

Larry was married twice in his life, from which got his son Logan Paynter and step-children Robert “Bo” Rhyne III, Jeremy Mathis, Jordan Mathis, and Leslie Collins—all of which he loved dearly.

Larry loved spending time with his kids and got so much joy having his grandson Matthew, “little man” as he called him, in his home. On Sunday mornings, Larry would cook up a big country breakfast for his friends and anyone in the community that needed a meal. He loved going “home” to West Virginia to the mountains where he grew up. During his visits he would make sure he made all the rounds to family and friends. Larry kept a journal off and on; this is one of the last entry’s: “In the mornings I will sit on the porch after getting ready for work, I’d think about my day ahead, and life, I’d think of all the things God has blessed me with and I thank Him! I have been blessed!” and as always, it was signed with “Life is good!”

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James and Edna Paynter; his sisters Deborah Paynter and Pamela Whited; nephew Tyler Scott Butcher; and long-time partner Rhonda Mathis.

Larry is survived by his children: Robert “Bo” Rhyne III, Jeremy Mathis (wife Nikki Montagne), Jordan Mathis (wife Morgan Mathis), Leslie Collins (husband Justin Collins), and Logan Paynter (wife Emily Paynter); grandchildren: Caleb Rhyne (wife Taylor Marks), Tayden Collins, Zander Mathis, Zoey Mathis, Hudson Collins, Matthew Paynter, and Mason Collins; great-grandchild: Jaxon Rhyne; siblings: Kathy Bishop (husband Gary Bishop), Sheila Cooper (husband Marty Cooper), Lewis Paynter, and Danny Paynter (wife Gina Paynter); a host of nieces and nephews, family members, and friends, and his neighbors and dear friends Ralph and Cindy Wesner.

The family wants to send a special thanks to Larry’s caregiver April McClendon, the staff of Solaris Hospice, and Dr. Bryan Shaver.

Funeral services will be held on September 16, 2023 at 10am at Pilgrim Cemetery in Elkhart, TX.