Frank Lary

Frank S. Lary NORTHPORT | Frank S. Lary, age 87 of Northport, died December 13, 2017 at Northport Medical Center. Services will be held on Saturday December 16, 2017 at 2:00pm at Magnolia Chapel North. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 pm before the service with Magnolia Chapel North directing. Burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park. He is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph Milton and Margaret Emma Rench Lary; brothers, Joe, James, Raymond, Ed, Al and Gene Lary. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Kathryn Lary, daughters ;Nita Johnson (Michael), Cindy Landers (Mark), and Angie Lancaster (Bruce) sons; Frank Lary, Jr. (Becky), Gary Lary, Les Evans (Barbara), sister in laws; Maurice Lary, Mary Ann Lary, Jean Lary Propst and 16 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren. Frank was a standout pitcher who made his name as the Detroit Tigers' "Yankee Killer" throughout his 12 - year major league career. He attended Tuscaloosa County High School and pitched for the University of Alabama Baseball team, helping the Crimson Tide to the 1950 college world series, pitching two winning games. Frank was an American League all-star in both 1960 and 1961. Frank served his country in the military during the Korean War. After returning to his baseball career, he was best known for his outstanding performances against the New York Yankees in an era that featured players like Micky Mantle, Yogi Berra and Roger Maris. He was the first pitcher in 50 years to beat the New York Yankees seven straight games in a run of 21 wins and 7 losses. His best season was in 1961, when he was all-star, winning a Golden glove award as the best fielding pitcher. Frank was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 and was voted to the Alabama All Century Team. From as early age Frank loved music. He played in the Lary Brothers Band and had the opportunity to play at the Grand Ole Opry several times. Frank retired from the Tuscaloosa County Road and Bridge department in 1990. Over the years, Frank and his wife Mary, went to card shows, Baseball Fantasy Camps and he played in several Old Timers games. He loved Alabama Football and didn't miss watching the Detroit Tigers baseball games He was an incredible man who lived an extraordinary life, and will be greatly missed. Pallbearers will be Mark Landers, Jason Landers, Zeb Landers, Luke Landers, Butch Lary, Joe Lary, Eddie Lary, Bruce Lancaster and Ray Glenn. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Johnson, Barton Lary, Blake Lary, Jeff Lary, Arnie Lary. Special thank to caregivers Georgia Scott, Ann Hankins, Judy Dodson, Amedisys Home Health. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to Eagles Wings, Inc. @ 12379 Eagles Wings Drive, Coker, Alabama 35452.