Pooler, Larry McKendree, 73, passed away peacefully at home, June 10, 2022, after a long illness.

The Pooler native, son of the late Jim and Lennie Wiggins McKendree, graduated from Robert W. Groves High School (1967) and received his business/management degree from Georgia Southern College (1971).  After working in management out of state for several years, he returned to Pooler and opened his first business, Savannah Wallpaper & Paint, in Garden City.

Larry's dream, however, was to own and operate a restaurant, so he opened Simply Southern Barbecue in Pooler and later expanded to Garden City.  After closing his sit-down locations, he continued to cook barbecue as McKendree BBQ/Express until he retired in 2001.  Also, his Simply Southern Barbecue Sauce was bottled and sold in area stores.

Larry was a "people person" who enjoyed the company of his customers and friends.  He loved the Lord and had a special fondness for the Holy Spirit which he shared openly and often.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by a sister, Betty M. Bright.

His is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marsha Seay McKendree; his sister, Cathy M. Boyer; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, Shannon, Jordan, Jason, Kevin, Emmie, Asher, Taylor, Daniel, Victoria, Noah, Della and Elijah.

Per Larry's wishes, no visitation or funeral services will be held.

The family invites those who would like to sign the obituary guestbook on the funeral home website, and requests that remembrances be made to, Community Health Foundation, 1005 Boulder Drive, Gray, GA  31032, Fund: Affinis Hospice, or the church/charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank our friends, neighbors, and family members who so graciously helped and supported us during Larry's illness.  Also, a special thanks to Kim, Vida and Catherine at Affinis Hospice for their kindness and professional care.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes

West Chatham Chapel

901 W. Hwy 80

Pooler, GA  31322

912-748-2444