Larry Lee Sage, 86, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Larry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, and friend. He was born on October 26, 1939, in Monmouth, Illinois, and throughout his life made a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years, retiring in 1980. Following his military service, he continued his commitment to public service, pursuing a second career in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff, serving from 1998 to 2014.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Sage; daughters Dawn DeWald (Duane), Danette Medders (Ernie), and Debbie Godbey (Ted); stepdaughters Linda Stubblefield (Ray), Phyllis Frazier, Beverly Dickenson, Sue Sharp, and Donna Fallin (Wade); stepsons Sam Harper (Marie), Michael Harper (Teresa).
Larry’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Leiha Knecht, Angela McCain, Brock DeWald, Daryll DeWald, Jamie Gordon, Jayson Godbey, Danica Elrod, Shirley Raulerson, Kenneth Coker, Danita Rozelle, Matthew Sanderson, James Fallin, BJ Harper, David Harper, Samantha Harper, Scott Harper, and Crystal Harper.
He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Joshua DeWald, Bethany DeWald, Cody Knecht, Julie Knecht, Logan Medlin, Luke Medlin, Haley Winborn, Holly Medders, Aubrey McCann, Austin McCann, Daniel Henein, Miryam Henein, Tyler Godbey, Sidney Gordon, Devyn Stubblefield, Shelby Fry, Tia Fry, Dee Fry, Jason Raulerson, Autumn Jackson, Jesse Coker, Eithan Coker, Ellie Coker, Luna Harper, Leah Harper, Olivia Harper, Elizabeth Harper and Matthew Sanderson Jr, Cody Thorne and Ellie Bryant.
In addition, he is survived by great-great-grandchildren Kaleigh-Joe Stubblefield, Adrielle Frye, and Aiden Frye.
Larry is also survived by his brother, Vergil Sage.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy Vernon Sage; his mother, Wilma Margueritte Sage; his sister, Gloria Hillman; and his stepson, Keith Harper.
Larry’s life was filled with adventure and joy. Beyond his deep love for family and friends, he had a passion for serving his community, enjoying the great outdoors, roller skating, and trying his luck with scratch-off tickets and slot machines—always smiling with his winnings. He often said, “You can’t win if you don’t play.”
While stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Larry organized a search and rescue unit to assist law enforcement in locating lost individuals in the desert and to provide support to the local base. He and his team were recognized by both local law enforcement and the military base for their outstanding community service.
During his Air Force career, Larry also opened and managed a roller skating rink on Edwards Air Force base. A professional roller skater himself, he gave lessons to military families. Under his leadership, the rink flourished and became a beloved gathering place.
Larry served 21 years as a Test Flight Engineer, participating in several historic first flights, including:
C-141 Starlifter – first flight at Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia
KC-10 Extender refueling tanker-cargo aircraft – first flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California
C-5A Galaxy, the largest cargo aircraft capable of carrying massive payloads such as tanks and helicopters – first flight at Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia
After retiring from the Air Force in 1980, Larry moved to Acworth, Georgia, where he began a career in law enforcement with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Department, later transferring to Bartow County.
While serving in the Sheriff’s Department, Larry fulfilled his love for the outdoors and passion for fishing, by purchasing and opening Whispering Pines Campground in Acworth, Georgia. A few years later, he opened PawPaw’s Lakeside Market off Allatoona Lake, Acworth, GA.
A celebration and honoring of Larry’s life will be held at Owen Funeral Home, Collins Drive, Cartersville, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m., with Duane DeWald, son-in-law, officiating. Burial will follow at Georgia Memorial Park, Marietta, Georgia. A graveside service will be held pending weather conditions.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Larry’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting stjude.org
