Larry Epperson

Larry Epperson departed this life Thursday evening surrounded by friends and family at Hospice of Chattanooga after a short illness and treatment for Medullary cancer. Larry, 63, was the only son of the late Weyman Quinton Epperson and Viola Wright Epperson. Larry was the principal of Epperson's Incorporated, a family-owned business specializing in handcrafted fine jewelry. He enjoyed painting, sculpture, woodwork, metalwork and photography. Larry created many notable pieces, both small and large works, including the "River of Time," a work recognizing the donors to the The Cleveland Museum, a large copper wall outlining significant moments in the history of the local area, also at The Cleveland Museum as well as memorial pieces for the Tennessee Aquarium and the Olympic Whitewater Center on the Ocoee River.

Larry was a devoted and active member of the Episcopal Church. He used his God-given artistic talent to serve the Church. Larry crafted numerous eucharistic vessels, processional crosses and other ecclesiastical items. Several Episcopal Bishops wear pectoral crosses and rings, and wield croziers crafted with the love, care and faith of Larry Epperson.

Larry was a man of vision, passion and commitment. These qualities pervaded everything he did in this life. These qualities were part of his faith, family and work. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Larry is survived by his wife, Armen Tarzian Epperson of Cleveland; one son and daughter in law, Chris and Laura Burbank Epperson of Newport, RI; one daughter, Ellen Armen Epperson of Chattanooga; and two grandchildren, Zaven and Nell Epperson.

The family will receive friends at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 22 from 5-7pm. Another visitation on Monday, August 23 from 11am to 1 pm will precede the funeral mass at 1pm, also held at the church. Reverend Joel Huffstetler will officiate. Interment of the cremains will follow in St. Lukes Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the following. Bradley Sunrise Rotary, Angel Flight Program, P.O. Box 3626, Cleveland, TN 37320 or St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 320 Broad Street, Cleveland, TN 37311.

Grissom Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.grissomfh.net. For additional information, phone 476-8575.