Bishop Larry Bernard Holcombe

On November 30, 1948, Bishop Larry Bernard Holcombe was the oldest of eight children born to the late Mr. Monroe and Mrs. Ruby K. Holcombe in Anniston, Alabama where he remained a lifelong resident. As Larry traveled this 74-year blessed journey he met his soulmate who soon became his lovely, devoted wife, Mrs. Tobernnea D. (Martin) Holcombe. In this sacred and Holy Union in the Lord of 30 years they were blessed and entrusted with nine beautiful children, twenty-three loving grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, seven extended family grandchildren, and seven extended family great-grandchildren. Larry was educated in the Calhoun City School System and was a 1967 graduate of Cobb Avenue High School. He attended Gadsden State Junior College where he majored in business management with a minor in business math. His schooling was cut short because due to military draft orders from the US Army where he served as an Infantryman and Administrative Specialist. While serving on active-duty orders, he managed to pursue his education and completed several business management courses at University of Maryland (oversees branch) in Aschaffenburg, Germany. During his military career, he received several rewards to include the Marksman Qualification Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He was honorably discharged after years of service to his country and shortly thereafter he was employed at the Anniston Army Depot. After 38 years of dedication and devotion of federal service, in December 2016, Larry retired and began to enjoy the fruit of his labor with his family, friends, and the ministry of the Lord. Larry was a man of strong family values. He saw only the hearts of people, not their race, background, or community standing. He served as a member on two of Anniston's City Boards which included the Housing Community and Development Board and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Larry loved his community and was a well-known distinguished man in the Anniston area. Retiring also gave him more time to be active in his community and doing some of the things he loved including coaching, watching sports, and traveling more enjoying all the nice and fine restaurants. He was a known foodie by his family. With his coaching skills, Larry coached at the Carver Community Center for over 20 years and became a substitute teacher with the Anniston School System. After being called into the ministry, Larry enrolled with the Covington Theological Seminary of Rossville, Georgia where he received his "Bachelor Degree of Theology". He was a Bible-based and spirit-filled believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who was chosen, anointed in Christ, and appointed to be a preacher, shepherd, and teacher over the flock of God. In November 1995, under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, Larry united with the Cornerstone Worship Center in Anniston, Alabama. He later moved to God's Covenant Ministry where he served as Associate Pastor. Nine months later under the divine providence of "Almighty God", Larry was called to pastor at Sweet Home Baptist Church in (Silver Run) Munford, Alabama where he and his wife Tobe served faithfully for five years. With God's help in 2003, Larry and wife Tobe birthed Faith Connection Worship Center. Pastor Larry was later ordained "Bishop" under the covenant-covering of the late Bishop James H. Wright of Grace Abundant Life Ministries Incorporated in Anniston, Alabama. Bishop Holcombe and Pastor Tobe are the founding pastors of a church with a vision and a purpose where they are not only birth disciples for Christ, but a "Training Center" for Christ as well. For Bishop Holcombe and Pastor Tobe, it wasn't just about the church being in the community, but the church being about the community. He was a tremendously gifted bishop, both in his knowledge and his declamation of the Biblical word. Bishop Holcombe was such a blessing to many as he believed that he was created to serve and be of help to his people. He has spent countless hours counseling others in person and on the telephone. Even in his declining health, he continued to discover what people needed and find ways to get it to them. He was extremely generous and felt he had a responsibility as a servant of the Lord's to help others. On Sunday, July 16, 2023, after God had given us 74 long earthly years with Bishop Larry Bernard Holcombe, he peacefully beckoned for his servant to return home for eternal rest and we can only imagine what a time he is having as he walked through those pearly gates where the streets are paved with gold, no more pain and suffering, but rejoicing with his parents, Monroe and Ruby K. Holcombe, sister, Shirley Taylor, mother-in-love, Beulah Alex, and son-in-love, Michael Carroway. Bishop Holcombe left behind a legacy of love and memories that will forever be cherished by his loving, devoted, and beautiful wife of over 30 years; Tobernnea Holcombe; daughters, Petrena (Derrick) Murphy, LaTricka Patton, LaSheena Holcombe, Courtney (King) Romero, and LaTasha Carroway; sons, Demetrice Holcombe, Frenchie Jones, Bakari (LaTasha) Green, and Eric Holcombe; siblings, Faye (William) Timber, Harold Holcombe, Carolyn Gaddis, Gregory (Yaschika) Holcombe, Alerica Holcombe, and Teresa Porter; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and all his brothers and sisters in Christ who loved him dearly.

Tributes

Bishop Larry Bernard Holcombe

November 30, 1948 - July 16, 2023