Larry James Ney February 21, 1951 - November 1, 2023

Larry James Ney, age 72, passed away peacefully on November 1st, 2023, after many years of medical issues. He was born on February 21st, 1951, to Jennie Nevitt and Joseph James Ney in Payson, Utah.

He grew up in Payson and attended Payson High School, where he played football and made life-long friends who nicknamed him “Hoot.” In his senior year of high school, he was met by the tragedy of his own sweet father’s passing, and he became the man of the house.

After high school, Larry was drafted into the Navy and was honorably discharged to come home and support his mother and family. He followed in his father’s footsteps and started working at Geneva Steel as a crane operator. He loved his job, especially his fellow steel workers. Larry worked the double graveyard shift for most of his career to provide for his family. After health issues, he retired from Geneva Steel after 32 years with the company but was always a proud 2nd generation steel worker. Larry’s father Joseph (Jim) had previously been with Geneva Steel for 25 years, a fact that made him very proud.

In Payson, he started his own family and maintained many long friendships. During these years, he loved his split-window 1967 Corvette and had many stories of himself dragging Main Street. He valued his friendships and loved to recount stories from his good times with his treasured friends.

In the 80s, he bought a home in Provo, Utah, and raised children and grandchildren. He spent his final years retired, enjoying his family and his dog, Diesel. Initially, he was reluctant to accept the puppy his son brought home, but weeks later, they were inseparable. He also enjoyed technology and always had the newest gadgets. He taught himself to build and fix computers in the early 90s. He enjoyed long car rides while listening to great music and was always willing to ride along with anyone who asked.

Larry was a gentle giant at 6’2″, with a soft heart, showing much love and attention to his children. He was the kind of father everyone wishes for and will forever leave a void in our hearts. Larry’s family is heartbroken for the loss of our best friend, but we are comforted in knowing that Dad is free of his ailments and experiencing a joyous reunion with his own parents.

Larry is survived by his wife, Kym Hurst Ney, his children: Aimie Lynn Johnson (Seth), Brandon Gull (Bethany), Lacy Evans (Dean), Jamie Shalyn Ney (Jereme), Derek James Ney (Janelle), Lyndsie Ariane Weber (Spencer), and by 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Larry was preceded in death by his own parents and his sister, Sheila Ney Sterling.

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Walker Funeral Home located at 587 South 100 West in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be held prior from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will be in the Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah.