Thomas Rex Larance (#44), age 78, of Warren, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St Johns Place in Fordyce, AR. He was born September 26, 1946, in Warren to Fred C. Larance and Myrtle L. Rhodes Larance.
Tommy grew up in Warren, AR excelling in multiple sports and earning a reputation of being an accomplished jokester. By an early age, he developed what would become a lifelong passion for the New York Yankees and a flair for dance inspired by artists like James Brown, using his athleticism and rhythm to hold his own against the Godfather of Soul himself on the dance floor. In high school he excelled in football, baseball, and swimming, wearing his signature #44 whenever possible. In 1964, his graduating high school class voted him “Wittiest,” a fitting recognition for the humor that helped define him throughout his life.
He went on to attend Arkansas A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello), where, still in his #44, he shined as a multi-sport athlete. He was a standout halfback, wide receiver, defensive back, and return specialist on the football team. He still holds the career record for punt return average at 17.2 yards per return and ranks fifth in career kickoff return average. He was the team’s leading receiver in 1965 and 1966, catching a combined 60 passes for 727 yards and four touchdowns. In 1965, he helped the Boll Weevils capture the AIC swimming championship in their first season of competition. The following year, he was an outfielder on the 1966 AIC championship baseball team.
While at A&M, he devoted much of his time to Phi Lambda Chi and always spoke with conviction about how proud he was to have graduated “Gud Laudee.”
After graduating from A&M, he continued his playing career as a cornerback for the semi-pro Arkansas Diamonds football team in 1969. He then turned to coaching, sharing his love for baseball and football while coaching at Jefferson Preparatory School, Monticello High School, McGehee High School, and Pine Bluff High School.
In 1979, he began a long career as an Agent for Farm Bureau Insurance, moving back to Warren, AR with his family, where he became one of the Lumberjacks’ most loyal supporters. Whether on the golf course or during breakfast at Molly’s, he was always ready with his blend of humor and seasoned wit, weighing in on the latest game, the concerns of the community, or the Yankees.
In 1993, he was inducted into the Warren Lumberjack Sports Hall of Fame, followed by his induction into the University of Arkansas at Monticello Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred C. Larance and Myrtle Rhodes Larance; his first wife, Leslie Larance (2000); and his sister, Karen Kay Larance Wisener (2023).
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Larance; his son, Jeremy Larance, and wife Paula of Wheeling, West Virginia, and their sons Gabriel and Zachary; his daughter, Annslie Davis, and husband Matthew of Fordyce, Arkansas, and their daughter Leslie; and his brother, Larry Larance and wife Beth of Stone Mountain, Georgia. He is also survived by his nephew Richard Larance, and wife Lisa of Ann Arbor, Michigan; niece Leigh Anne Kelly, and husband Brian of Roanoke, Virginia; and many extended family members and friends who will remember him for his athletic talent, competitive spirit, quick wit, and devotion to his community…and the Yankees.
Funeral services 3:00PM Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at Frazer’s Chapel with Rev. David Steele officiating. Burial in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 2:00PM till service time at Frazer’s Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Leslie Larance Elementary Education Award at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (870-460-1028).
