Larry Mcconnell

Larry McConnell: A Shining Life—A Beautiful Mind, A Perfect Spirit, in an Imperfect World

Larry Dean McConnell was born on August 5, 1954, in Las Vegas, Nevada to the late Rufus McConnell Jr. and Dorothy Renell McConnell.

Even as a young boy, Larry showed signs of exceptional intelligence. When working independently, Larry was able solve complex problems and would later excel in all areas of academia. At an early age Larry accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He became an active member of Twenty-First Street Temple Church of God in Christ and served many years under the ministry of Elder David Saffold Senior, until his beloved pastor went home to be with the Lord.

Later, the McConnell family relocated to Los Angeles California where Larry furthered his education.
He attended Belmont High School, taking courses in mathematics, physics and other physical sciences that would further highlight his academic aptitude. Here he met many friends who were of similar character and talent as he. They would form a group and spend lunch and rest periods in a classroom challenging each other to academic problem solving and controversial debate topics. One such topic was the belief in, and existence of God. Larry who had attended church since childhood recalled what he knew and was taught by his parents and was always spiritually and intellectually prepared to stand up and speak up for the truth and power of the living God. Larry continued his higher education as he attended Los Angeles City College (LACC), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As a college student Larry continued to serve the Lord and witnessed to others about Jesus. He also tutored most of his siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends through any type of mathematics or science courses. Larry had a light that was visible to all he knew and even to those he did not know. Larry was a shining example of the Love of God, and his loving heart would bring him to meet his future wife, Belinda Ponder, while working as a McDonalds manager in Downtown Los Angeles.

Larry married Belinda Ponder on August 10, 1985. In this union, they raised three children, LaToya, Raychelle, and Brian. Larry loved his wife, and his children and was a devoted husband and father. He continued his education while raising his family and working. He later began working for the City of Los Angeles as a traffic officer. Then, using his experience and knowledge of science he was able to secure a position at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) as a steam plant operator. He then moved his blended family to Pomona, California where he continued his life as an adored family man. He would cook the most delicious meals: seasoned with all the love and life he carried with him everywhere he would go. He found a church home in Pomona for his family at New Gethsemane Church of God in Christ, where he attended and served regularly as an usher for many years, until his retirement from LADWP.

After retiring, Larry and Belinda moved to Henderson Nevada. Larry loved to travel and to cook. His sense of adventure was second to none. He loved to go on cruises to the Caribbean, and on cross-country road trips.
Larry loved his family. His Grand Children meant the world to him! He loved spending the Holidays with his many siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins, and would often open his own home for family gatherings.
Though his charity and love always began at home, it overflowed onto anyone and everyone he would meet. Larry was the most generous person and would do anything to feed, clothe and care for his loved ones and strangers alike. In his eyes there were no strangers. He would help and care for so many, with the light of Christ shining in, through, and all around him. To his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, Larry was an absolute ray of sunshine. He loved music and always had a song to sing. Some of his favorite songs are the most hilarious tunes ever written, and he would sing them with all the energy and vigor of a masterful storyteller and entertainer.
Larry was an original. He was kind, funny, silly, and absolutely filled with the light of the Lord. There will never be another like him. Only Larry could lecture on God’s word, pray, file your taxes, cook an amazing meal, then laugh and joke—all in one sitting. That was Larry every day: energetic, funny, and extremely personable. He had the ability to make even the most arduous task fun, enjoyable and even memorable. Larry could light up a room with his smile and his laughter was infectious. He was truly the shining light in our lives.

Larry’s light transcended this world on September 5, 2021. He now rests in our Heavenly Father’s arms, his light eternally transformed from an earthly glow to a beacon for all to see. Larry is preceded in death by his father (Rufus Jr.), mother (Dorothy), sister (Brenda), sister (Rhonda), brother (Terry) and brother (Floyd).

He leaves to cherish his memories: Wife: Belinda Ponder-McConnell; Daughters: LaToya Cleveland (Pomona, CA), and Raychelle McConnell (Houston, TX); Son: Brian J. Ponder (San Jacinto, CA); Brothers: Ray Terrance McConnell, Kenneth McConnell; Sisters: Linda McConnell-Carter, Sundra McConnell-Burnett (Albert), Sharon McConnell-Hill, Sherri McConnell-Gonzalez (Angel Sr.), LaToshia McConnell-Washington (Nathan), Ishula McConnell, Ursula McConnell-Davis (Michael); Six grandchildren whom Larry affectionately called his "Grand Monsters": Braylann, Brooklynn, Bella, Brylon, Bjork, and Brianna, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.