Larry Dale Taylor, widely known as “Coach,” passed away on April 10, 2026.

Larry was born on September 22, 1949, in Hollis, Oklahoma, to Dale and Jean Taylor. He graduated from Hollis High School in 1967, where he was a multi-sport letterman and developed a lifelong love of athletics. Larry continued his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in Chemistry. He married the love of his life, Martha “Marti” Garrison, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Larry was a faithful member of the Hollis Methodist Church, where his values of service, humility, and community were evident throughout his life.

He began his career teaching and coaching at Hollis High School. Larry coached basketball, football, and track, impacting countless student athletes over the years. Larry led ten state tournament basketball teams to the “Big House”, including three state runner-up finishes and one state championship in 1998. He was known not only for his success, but for the discipline and respect he instilled in his players. Remarkably, he never received a technical foul. He took great pride in how his teams represented Hollis, often requiring his players to wear a coat and tie to tournaments. In recognition of his outstanding coaching career and impact on young athletes, he will be inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame this summer.

While Larry coached thousands of athletes, his true passion was teaching. He taught Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physics as well as other sciences for 44 years. After his retirement, he was even known to tutor at the kitchen table. He found great joy in watching his students succeed long after they left his classroom. Larry had a love for carpentry and remodeling homes. He generously used those skills to help many people in the Hollis community and often refused payment while simply happy to lend a hand. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially dogs. He loved his dogs deeply and was known for taking in and caring for dogs in need, always willing to give them a second chance.

Larry carried immense pride in his hometown. Wherever he went, Larry was quick to let people know he was from Hollis. When speaking with people he met, he often found a connection back to his hometown. He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf with friends, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. Larry was a passionate University of Oklahoma fan and rarely missed an opportunity to watch or talk about the Sooners. He was known for his sense of humor, his love of telling jokes, and his ability to give others a hard time in the most endearing way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Jean Taylor; and his sister, Robin Smith. Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Marti; his sons, Jeff Taylor and wife, Chris, Stephen Taylor, Ty Taylor and wife, Lori, and Rusty Taylor and wife, Ashley; and his sister, Linda Hines. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren, Chayseland Taylor, Emily Taylor, Tanner Taylor, Maddie Taylor, Katelyn Taylor, Kyle Taylor, Keri Taylor, Macy Taylor, and Austin Taylor.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Hollis First Methodist Church with Pastor Don Altom officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hollis School Foundation at https://hollis-school-foundation.square.site/shop/memorial-donations/8 or at Cattlemens Bank payable to the Hollis School Foundation | ATT: Danna Robinson | 201 E. Broadway Street | Hollis, OK 73550. Memorials in Larry’s name may also be made to Hollis First Methodist Church.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.