Larry Raymond Housley

Larry Raymond Housley, Master Sergeant, USAF, (retired), age 72 of SC / TN (Currently Conway, SC) passed away under hospice care in Myrtle Beach SC.

Larry was born in Powell Tennessee to the late Zella Mae Housley (Roop) and the late Leonard R. Housley. He grew up in Anderson County Tennessee, graduating from Clinton Senior High School, Class of 1970. Master Sergeant Housley entered active duty in 1971 and attended various and numerous leadership and professional guidance and planning courses.

In approximately 27 years of service, Master Sergeant Housley was a strict professional and respected Jet engine mechanic in both active duty and AF Reserves. His dedication and devotion to duty was vital to the success of peacetime and wartime flying operations. He exemplified the core values of a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Military. 

Master Housley served during the height of the Cold War, overseas and supported numerous coverts and JCS deployments as well as several combat operations. A Vietnam era veteran whom also served in South Korea and supported A-10 lethal tank killing operations in OPERATION DESERT SHIELD and OPERATION DESERT STORM in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. (Liberation of Kuwait).

A persistent result mission oriented Senior NCO. He received numerous awards and decorations and achievements including the, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), Air Reserve Meritorious Service Metal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate, Numerous Outstanding Unit Awards with 1 silver and 3 Bronze OLC’s. Additionally, Master Sergent received various specialized aircraft Jet Engine training related to (C5A, T-56, C-130B/E/H, TF-34 Engine & J-79 IM, the A-10A Warthog, F-16, and various other lethal fighter aircraft.

Master Sergeant Housley retired from the USAF in 1998. Service-connected health and family circumstances unavoidable caused him to focus on full retirement shortly after leaving the service.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed, hunting, boating, fishing and enjoyed the silence and serenity of the great outdoors.

He would credit his late Mother (Zella 1927-2008) for his spiritual awareness and moral compass and late Dad (Leonard 1911-1988) for sharing his work ethic and inter personal skills. In his youth, he enjoyed helping his parents with the day-to-day regiment and unique challenge of raising and harvesting mink. Larry also enjoyed ethical trapping and observing wildlife and digging ginseng. He truly enjoyed the beauty hills and streams of East Tennessee. He was humorously and affectionally label as the worlds greatest and unmatched treasures (junk) collector. 

He was a passionate Tennessee Vols fan as well as a fan for the pro teams from Atlanta (Braves/Falcons). He joking said he would wish the team could be at his funeral so they can let me down one last time. We all know his teams did better than most over the years. His older brother Paul always kept him in touch with fishing in Florida or rabbit or deer hunting in Georgia. Larry was always immensely grateful for those unforgettable experiences/moments. 

He leaves behind his wife Sylvia of over 42 years, Son Nathan Housley, and his wife Heather. and grandsons Aidan and Isaiah Housley. He was predeceased by his daughter (mother of Aidan and Isaiah) Amanda Housley (1985-2020). As well as step daughters Melissa and Kimberly and a host of grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his brother Paul (USAF Veteran) and wife Teresa of Perry Florida, His twin brother Terry (USAF Retired) of Wedgefield SC, and host of cousins and several wonderful nieces and nephews as well as honorable veterans and friends. He was proceeded in death by his brother Donald E. Dyer (US Army Vietnam Veteran) (1949-2022) of Clinton Tn. Larry was preceded in death by his brother Leonard A. Housley (1935-2011) USMC of Bullhead Az. A brief eulogy will be presented by his twin brother Terry and son Nathan.

The family request in lieu of flowers consider giving to a veteran charity or Alzheimer’s research, or plant tree, or a charity of your choice. He was an inspiring humble and patriotic man and will be dearly missed.

The Housley Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until time of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. in the Jones Mortuary Chapel at 375 North Main Street, Clinton, Tennessee.

Military graveside rites will be conducted on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. John Sevier Hwy. in Knoxville, Tn.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton, Tennessee is serving the family of Larry Raymond Housley.