Waverly Larkey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many, passed away at home on February 24, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 73. Waverly was born in Douglas, Georgia, on July 28, 1952, to the late Roscoe C. Larkey and Hazel Reames Larkey of Jacksonville, Georgia.
He lived in Macon until he was 12 years old with his father, mother and brother, Bill Larkey. Thereafter, the family moved back to the farm, living near his grandparents, the late James Franklin Larkey and Ethel Jones Larkey. The Larkey farm had originally been purchased by Waverly’s great-great Grandfather in the early 1800’s, and it always remained a central part of his life. After graduating from Telfair County High School, he attended Middle Georgia College, South Georgia College, and Wiregrass Technical College. He was a lifelong learner who never stopped gaining certifications and mastering skills in mechanical, computer, and electrical fields. After farming full-time for ten years, Waverly worked in supervisory positions with Walmart Distribution Center, Intelligrated and Premium Waters. His friends knew him as a person who could build, repair, or improve just about anything he turned his mind to. His entire life he continued to love working and spending time at the farm.
Waverly married Diana Haymons in 1972. They were married for 53 years, building a life together based on shared values, love for family, and faith in God. They spent many happy years together at the farm with their three children before moving to Douglas, where they both worked until their retirement. His children and grandchildren were sources of great joy to him. Waverly had a love of all history and wanted to share that knowledge with future generations.
Throughout his life, Waverly’s primary focus was on his relationship with God, a tenet that he learned from his parents and tried to instill in his children and all those around him. He was an active and devoted member of Douglas First Methodist Church for more than 35 years, and he loved and served its people and ministries until the day he died. Over the years, he taught both youth and adult Sunday school classes, and for four years, he and Diana served as directors of youth ministries. In recent years, he particularly enjoyed his men’s Bible study group, singing in the choir, and participating in Camp 151. Regarding the latter, he served as a site leader for each of the past 3 years, and earned the distinction of being the oldest camper to have ever participated in the program. This was remarkable for a man of 72, but was typical for him, having spent his whole life selflessly serving others.
Mr. Larkey was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Hazel Larkey; his parents-in-law, George and Willie Maude Haymons; brothers and sisters-in-law Judy and Kermit Gore of Gray, GA, Sue and Orie Smith of Carrollton, GA, and Lynn Payne of Oxford, GA.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Larkey, sons Jeff Larkey (Amy), Joshua Larkey (Amy), of Douglas, and daughter, Rebekah Larkey Suto (Ponder) of Madison, GA; grandchildren, Kate Larkey of Augusta, GA, Aaron Works (Erika), Andrew Larkey, Elizabeth Larkey, Amelia Larkey, all of Douglas, and Graham and Maggie Suto of Madison, GA. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Larkey of Acworth, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law Randy Haymons of Newborn, GA, Beth and Bucky Scarborough of Mansfield, GA, Greg and Ann Haymons of Locust Grove, GA, and Sharon Payne of Covington, GA; Cousins Jimmy Bass (Sue), of Bolingbroke, GA, and Donna Larkey Wells (Curt) of Alamo, GA, as well as numerous other loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
His family requests that memorials may be made either in the form of flowers, or donations to support the Camp 151 Program, which may be sent to Douglas First Methodist Church at 311 North Madison Avenue, Douglas, GA 31533.