Larry Dale Sullivan

Larry Dale Sullivan, 71, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. 

Larry was born on June 16, 1954, in Cairo, Illinois, to the late William Baxter Sullivan and Eleanora Lorraine Maynard Sullivan. From an early age, Larry had a strong passion for competition. His parents often took him and his brother Fred to watch races whenever possible, igniting his love for the sport. This drive for competition became even more evident during his teenage years at North Marshall High School, where he was one of only two students to participate in four different sports: track, baseball, basketball, and football.

Larry was not a stranger to hard work. After graduating from North Marshall High School in 1972, he briefly attended college before securing a position with TVA in LBL, where his love for nature truly began. He later took on a role as a heavy equipment operator for IUOE Local 181 based in Paducah, proudly contributing to the construction of I-24 and various other significant projects in the area. Following many years in this role, Larry was presented with an opportunity to work as an operator at General Tire, which later led to a lengthy career in multiple manufacturing plants in Calvert City. He dedicated many years to Carbide Industries and Degussa before joining GAF, now known as Ashland, where he served as a Boiler Operator until his retirement. During his time at the plants, Larry’s love for cooking would often lead him to prepare and cook meals for many of his coworkers, with his “Sully Burgers” being one of the top favorites and most requested. Larry was also a long-time member of the Calvert City Masonic Lodge #543. 

Outside of his professional life, Larry's passion for the outdoors and sports was obvious throughout his entire life. He loved vacationing and traveling, always opting for backroads whenever possible, with his trusty Atlas by his side. Many times, he would find reasons to take family and friends to Land Between the Lakes, to explore the area, and at times even enjoy watching the sunsets. His vast love of music spanned multiple genres, but he was especially fond of blues music and rarely missed the chance to attend the Hot August Blues Festival in Aurora. His passion for sports remained a significant part of his life and never faded. From playing softball with the Brew Crew team into his 40s to attending dirt track races with loved ones and cheering on his two sons from the sidelines of their sports, Larry thrived on the excitement of competition. He was a dedicated fan of UK Basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals, and also enjoyed watching NASCAR and practically any form of racing. Above all, Larry's heart belonged to his family. The time he spent surrounded by his wife, kids, and grandchildren are the moments that he cherished the most. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, a life well lived, and a man well-loved.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jean Story Sullivan; his two sons, Corey Sullivan (Jennifer) of Benton and John Sullivan (Angie) of Paducah; one brother, Fred Sullivan (Jeane) of Calvert City; seven grandchildren, Cameron Sullivan, Baylee Sullivan, Noah Green, Cole Green, Austin Ledford, Jacob Ledford, and Jessica Ledford; and six great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Baxter Sullivan and Eleanora Lorraine Sullivan. 

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann with Jim Capps officiating. Private family burial will follow at Calvert City Cemetery. 

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit Larry’s Tribute Wall at www.filbeckandcann.com.