Lawrence James Nee, Sr. (Larry), 93, was born Dec. 13, 1929 and died Oct. 9, 2023.

Larry was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and lived in South Boston for several years before the family moved to Gardner, Massachusetts while Larry was in high school.

He worked for a short time at the state mental hospital and Florence Stove while moonlighting in radio. He began his newspaper career at the Gardner News in 1952 and also worked for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette as a reporter and photographer. Larry moved his family to Tullahoma in 1957 and continued his newspaper career at the Tullahoma News and later with the Chattanooga Times.

In 1968 Larry started work at Arnold Engineering Development Center as an Information Specialist. He wrote scientific articles and reports for news value. He assisted with corporate presentations and with Center tours for visiting dignitaries as well as editing the Center employee magazine, High Mach.

Larry later held positions for advertising, promotions, marketing, and public relations for Precision International Inc., Wild Heerbrugg Instruments Inc., Pelikan Inc., and Micro Craft Inc. After that Larry went back to the Tullahoma News until he retired at age 82.

Larry was a consummate newsman and meticulous about his work. His hobbies included collecting stamps and classical music. He was an avid photographer and golfer. Urban legend has it that there is a plaque at Arnold Center Golf Pro Shop honoring him as having the record for throwing a golf club the furthest distance.

Though he was awarded a number of honors and accolades during his professional career, Larry has always claimed that his proudest accomplishment in life was his family.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Marilyn Rice Nee, three grandsons and one granddaughter. He is survived by their seven children, Lawrence James Nee, Jr. (Robin Sullins Nee), Roberta Nee Adams, Kevin Michael Nee (Cindi Pobojewski Nee), Scot Anthony Nee (Sandy Nee), Sharon Nee Goodman (Mike Goodman), Christopher Nee (Karen McCarver Nee), and Mary Lynn Nee Felts (Jerry Felts), 16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Larry has donated his body to Vanderbilt University Medical Center Anatomical Donation Program. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Tullahoma News – Oct. 22, 2023