'Live Like Larry:' Funeral Set For Adairsville Teen Killed In Crash

ADAIRSVILLE, GA -- The family and classmates of an Adairsville High School senior who died last weekend after being hit by a vehicle will say goodbye to the teenager who served as a inspiration to those who were fortunate to be part of his circle. The celebration of life for Larry Gardner, Jr., 17, will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at Adairsville High School's gym.

The viewing and visitation will be held from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., and the service will begin at 1 p.m. The Bartow County School System said the public is encouraged to attend Saturday's funeral service. The school will also hold a brief moment of silence during Friday's varsity football game at Sonoraville in Calhoun. A special tribute will also be held Oct. 21 for senior night, the system added (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Bartow County EMS and Georgia state troopers responded to the collision on Old Highway 41 near Manning Mill Road around 7:34 a.m. Oct 7. First responders arrived to find the teenager "with no signs of life," Bartow EMS spokesperson Brad Cothran said.

A preliminary review of the collision released by the Georgia State Patrol indicates a Dodge Durango "struck the pedestrian from the rear with its left front bumper." The pedestrian, identified as the Adairsville student, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Durango was identified as 31-year-old Nixon Sellers of Adairsville.

The Bartow County School System said Gardner said the senior was known to many as the "Soul of the Adairsville High School Marching Band." Gardner was on his way to Carrollton to attend his final band competition of the year when he was hit by the truck. The system cancelled the trip upon learning of the student's passing.

"This is a devastating loss to our band, school and community," said Adairsville High School Principal Bruce Mulkey. "He had an unbelievable spirit. I'll remember that most. If he had a bad day, you would have never known it. He had a smile on his face every time I passed him. Larry's energy and enthusiasm were just as contagious as his smile."

Along with a GoFundMe account created to help Gardner's family, the Bartow County School System said a fund has also been set up at Northside Bank in Adairsville to help the family with any needs related to the teen's sudden death.

On Monday, the school system shared a video of Larry Gardner, Sr., who said he believed his son would want his classmates to live in the moment and never pass up a chance to enjoy being goofy, laughing with friends and showcasing a simple smile.

"He would want you to pick your brother or sister up when they were down," the elder Gardner added. "He would want you to give more of yourself than you feel like you have to give. He would always want you to look after somebody else more than himself. He would always want you to enjoy being a child, to enjoy being who you are."

Most importantly, Gardner said his son's personal savior was Jesus Christ, and he wanted everyone he came in contact with to get saved and follow the Lord's teachings. He and his wife will continue their son's legacy and "champion that cause."

He also said he would like to see sidewalks installed along Old Highway 41 so children can walk without the fear of getting struck by a vehicle.

"The way to honor Larry's legacy is to just live like Larry," Gardner added.

Image via Bartow County Schools