Larry Clyde Cleghorn, 78, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at his residence.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Paulk Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Jeff Cleghorn officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from, 6 PM until 8 PM, on Thursday at the funeral home.
Mr. Cleghorn was born September 24, 1947, in Irwin County, Georgia, to the late Joseph Clyde and Jessie Clyde Howell Cleghorn. He successfully owned and operated Cleghorn & Sons for 40 plus years, building many homes and cabinets in and around the community. Mr. Cleghorn coached little league sports for the local DLS and was an avid Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane fan. He loved to fish, but his greatest love was his grandchildren in whatever they were doing. He was affectionately known as “Papa” to many children throughout the community. Mr. Cleghorn was a faithful member of Westside Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rita Davis Cleghorn; son, Matt (Marci) Cleghorn of Fitzgerald and a daughter, Kim (Ricky) Layson of Elko; grandchildren: Matti Cleghorn, Molli Cleghorn, Mayli Cleghorn, Lucy Layson, and Will Layson; a sister in law, Lynn Cleghorn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Baby Boy Cleghorn; a sister, Brenda Cleghorn and a brother, Allen Cleghorn.
The family would like to give their appreciation to the time and dedication given to Mr. Cleghorn by his caregiver, Donna Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those desiring to send memorials, please send them to Westside Baptist Church PO Box 391 Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.