Larry L. Metz, age 70, of Knoxville, passed away suddenly on the morning of Jan. 30.
Mr. Metz was born in Waynesboro, Penn., where he attended Waynesboro Senior High. He played soccer and baseball for his school until graduating in 1971. He enjoyed cars, and this passion became his occupation.
He, with his growing family, moved from Richmond, Ind., to Findlay, Ohio, and then eventually to Knoxville, which became their permanent home for more than 30 years.
Mr. Metz loved to play baseball growing up and this love transferred to his boys. He coached little league baseball and really loved watching his sons play sports as they grew up. He also loved to play golf with his sons.
Mr. Metz’s primary passion was his family. This is evident in the character, integrity, love, and humor that each of the Metz boys emanate. Mrs. Metz and their boys are a testimony to the effort that Mr. Metz poured into his family.
Mr. Metz’s work ethic and dedication was evident at his employer, JTEKT. He recently achieved 30 years with the company’s Vonore plant. He enjoyed the teamwork and camaraderie he shared with fellow employees at JTEKT.
Mr. Metz is preceded in death by his parents, Sarah V. Unger and Lewis W. Metz.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary F. Metz; sons and daughter-in-laws, Joshua and Maggie Metz, Benjamin and Erin Metz, Andrew and Audrey Metz, and Samuel and Jamie Metz; his nine beautiful grandchildren; and his sisters, Darcia Bittner and Dorothy Kugler, with their children Lori Miller, Roni Kugler, and Amy Gittens.
A funeral Mass for Mr. Metz was celebrated on Feb. 5 at All Saints Church in Knoxville followed by an inurnment at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus columbarium.
Donations in Mr. Metz’s memory may be made to the St. John Neumann School annual fund or the Sacred Heart Cathedral School annual fund. These donations will provide financial aid for students who desire a Catholic education but cannot afford one.
