Larry Franklin Preiss, Sr.

Larry Franklin Preiss, Sr., 75, of Gainesville, Ga. passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023.  He was born on December 18, 1947 in Miami, Fla.  He is survived by his wife Brenda McCook Preiss of Gainesville, Ga.; daughter Cherie Schmitt and son-in-law John Schmitt of Chicago, Ill.; son Larry Preiss, Jr. and daughter-in-law Lindsey Preiss of Conyers, Ga.; six grandchildren, Taylor, John L. and Connor Schmitt, Devon and Alexandra Silvey and Grant Preiss; mother, Betty Jo Preiss of Savannah, Ga.; and five siblings, Lester Preiss, Raymond Preiss, Leslie Yardley, Brian Preiss, and Bruce Preiss.  He is preceded in death by his father, Lester L. Preiss, Jr. and Evelyn Hamon Preiss.

Larry started his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air-traffic controller. Marriage and a growing family prompted him to adjust course.  He went back to school and worked for Digital Equipment Corporation as a training consultant and become an information technology officer for Cisco Systems.  Never one to sit still, Larry funneled his youthful energy into post-retirement work as an IT consultant at Accenture for three years. After taking some retirement time with his family, Larry returned to work as a professor at Georgia State University – Alpharetta. He was also very active with Wisdom Keepers in Gainesville, Ga.

Music was one of Larry’s favorite past-times. He played in his high school band and was the Youth Choir Director at Grace Methodist Church in Miami, Fl. It was there that Larry met his wife Brenda when they were in 9th grade. He served as Choir Director of the Callahan Methodist Church in Callahan, Fla. before moving to Georgia.  Later in life he shared his love of music through several different music organizations. Larry sang with the Gainesville First United Methodist Church choir and was interim Choir Director. He played the clarinet with the Northwinds Symphonic Band and with the Believer’s Band where he was also an assistant conductor since 2005.

From his first job to his hobbies late in life, Larry was always fascinated with flying. He got his pilot’s license when he was 20 years old and maintained his passion by watching the skies, even when he wasn’t flying. He fostered a wonder of the sky in his children and grandchildren through his interest in astronomy, often sharing facts and teaching them the science behind the stars. After he retired, one of his greatest joys was building and flying his gyroplane.

Larry was an attentive and amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He touched the lives of people around his community through both music and charity. He was a natural teacher and his enthusiasm and passion drove him to share joy and humor with all those around him.

Larry Preiss was a friend to all and he will be profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Rev. Jamey Prickett officiating.  A reception will follow at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Believers Concert Band or Gainesville First United Methodist Church.  Believers Concert Band - Checks may be written to North Georgia Community Foundation, in care of The Believers Concert Band Fund, and mailed to North Georgia Community Foundation, 340 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Suite 605, Gainesville, GA  30501.  Gainesville First United Methodist Church – Check may be written to Gainesville FMC and mailed to Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA  30506

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.