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Larry Don Goolsby, 82, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Denton, Texas. Born on July 23, 1943, in Portales, New Mexico, he was the son of Andrew Dewey and Edna Mae Horton Goolsby. Larry grew up in New Mexico graduating from Floyd High School and was honored with the prestigious award of State Farmer in FFA, the highest award in the state at the time. With receiving this award, he got to be governor for the day and signed a bill. He later attended and received a degree in finance from Eastern New Mexico University. Larry started farming at the age of four and more than anything was a farmer and had a gift for understanding dirt, the lay of the land and drainage. He was the largest alfalfa grower in New Mexico. He was also a pilot and loved his Beechcraft Bonanza. Most importantly, Larry loved Jesus and brought hundreds of people to Christ including his wife and acted as deacon in the Baptist Church. In 1999, he moved to Texas and in 2000, Larry met his wife of over twenty-four years Leslie Fay Laird, and they married April 20, 2001 in Carrollton, Texas. He was a loving father to his daughter, April. At one time prior to retirement, Larry built the largest septic installation company in Collin County, Texas. As one of the kindest people you will ever meet, Larry loved and cared for all animals, especially countless dogs which included his best friend Lefty that left him years ago and his gorgeous, Gypsy Vanner Henry. He and Henry also won the Pinto World Champion Carriage Driving. The family will receive friends during a visitation time, Monday, January 5, 2026 from 6:30 -7:30PM at the Slay Memorial Funeral Center in Aubrey, Texas. A funeral service honoring his life will take place the following day at the Slay Chapel, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 11:00AM with Duane Edwards officiating. Serving as honorary pallbearers; Howard Smith, Justin “Gunny” Matheson, Robin Collinsworth, Matt Walls, Jeffory Beadles and Paul Wehba. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his son, Landall Goolsby of Portales, New Mexico; two daughters, Lexi and her husband Kevin Meyers of Clovis, New Mexico, and April and her husband Athen Fish of Tioga, Texas; two grandchildren Kyla Jones and Lance Meyers with Baby Girl Fish on the way; and a nephew, Tommy Goff of Prosper, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Vickie Lynn Goolsby; two sisters, Wanda Goff of Hobbs, New Mexico, and Joy Leatherwood of Portales, New Mexico; and two brothers-in-law, Cloyd Goff and Lee Leatherwood. On-line condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center, Aubrey, Texas.

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Mr. Larry Don Goolsby

July 23, 1943 - January 3, 2026