Ralph Larry Malone
Obituary

Ralph Larry Malone, known to everyone as Larry, died peacefully at his home in Texas, on August 20, 2026. Born June 21, 1939, he was the son of the late Ervin (Pat) and Nellie Malone. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose steady presence shaped the lives of many. A proud son of Irish heritage, Larry carried the warmth, quick wit, and easy charm of the Malone men, often punctuated by a vast sense of humor and a touch of blarney that could brighten any room. He shared a deep and lasting partnership with his wife, Patricia Goins Malone, the love of his life and his best friend, who passed in 2021.

From his first marriage to Jacqueline, he was the loving father of Carol Lynn Ayers, Marcey Ann Webb, Colleen Marie Slate, and Paul Creston Malone. Through his second union with Patricia, he welcomed her children Kathy Yvette McGuinness and Becky Lynn Dixon into his heart and helped raise them as his own, embracing Pat's son David Phillip Goins and his family with the same devotion and affection. These blended family bonds grew into a large and deeply connected clan, including many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who will carry his stories, his humor, and his spirit forward for generations.

Larry served his country proudly as a United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (SSgt) and Drill Instructor, serving under Casual Company, Headquarters & Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He dedicated ten years to the Corps (1957 to 1967), earning distinction as an Expert Rifleman and receiving multiple honors, including the Good Conduct Medal (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Awards) and the National Defense Service Medal. In 1967, he volunteered for service in Vietnam in the 3rd Engineer Battalion, Dong Ha, choosing to stand beside the men he had trained and ensure that his instruction truly made a difference. The leadership and discipline he developed in the Marines shaped his civilian life as well, where he held numerous management roles across factories and industries and proved himself to be a true jack of all trades, approaching every responsibility with a steady work ethic, quiet dependability, and practical wisdom.

In later years, Larry and Patricia ran a beloved flea market booth and online store in North Carolina, where they made warm friendships and shared countless stories with neighbors and customers. After Pat passed, he spent the remainder of his years with his daughter Becky. He enjoyed simple pleasures like reading, playing Skip-Bo with family, and telling stories that left everyone smiling. His Irish spirit showed in his storytelling, his laughter, and the generous way he welcomed people into his life.

He is survived by his sister Sally Johnson; his children Carol Lynn Ayers (and her children Jessie, Amy, and Jason and their families), Marcey Ann Webb (and her children Joe, Robert, and Larry and their families), and Colleen Marie Slate (and her children Kaci and John and their families); by Gareth, the son of his late son Paul Creston Malone, and Gareth's family; by Kathy Yvette McGuinness (and her husband Charles and her children Sarah, Stephanie, and Andy and their families) and Becky Dixon (and her husband Frank); and by Kelly, Philip, and Amber, the children of his late son David Philip Goins, and their families. He leaves behind a large extended family of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ervin (Pat) and Nellie Malone; his brother John Malone; his son Paul Malone; his beloved wife Patricia Malone; and Patricia's sons Jerry Goins and David Goins.

Larry's life was defined by service, hard work, and a love for family that never wavered. He taught by example, laughed often, and left a legacy of kindness and resilience. Those who knew him will remember his practical wisdom, his gentle humor, and the way he loved Patricia. Though he has left us, his lessons, his laughter, and his love will live on in the generations who follow him.

Service details and memorial information will be shared when arrangements are finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a veterans' organization or a charity of your choice in Larry's memory.