Lawrence Goolsby Sr.

Lawrence “Larry” Goolsby was born August 24, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio to the late Marie Malone-Goolsby and Aaron. He transitioned to his eternal place of rest on February 16, 2026. Larry attended Eastmoor high school where he was an exceptional athlete. Most notably baseball and football. He used to tell tales of a sandlot style upbringing, where in the days of his youth, his days were spent outside engaging in endless activities. After high school, he served our country as a rifleman in the Marines during Vietnam. He served from May 10, 1967, to April 20, 1970. Larry was an avid motorhead, he had a love for American muscle with a strong bias for Mopar. He also had a love for motorcycles, notably his Kawasaki KZR 1000, which had some work done on it, it wasn’t your KZR. One notable story is he gave family member, who will remain nameless, a ride. He got it out on the freeway, where he gave it the beans and said the family member puked and it flew back in their face. Endless stories of him pushing cars to the limit, something short of your favorite action film. He was a modern day cowboy to say the least. He drove semi for numerous years; he loved the open road. He would do numerous coast to coast runs with no issue. A true lover of his craft. Always down for a good time, Larry was always the life of the party. If he was present, you would know. In his spare time, he enjoyed being around his people, whether it be family or friends, if he had spare time, he was going to visit someone. He had a keen ear, a lover of most music, most notably jazz and the oldies, though his range was far and wide. He would rock to about anything and loved doing so, he had a great heart and cared for his loved ones dearly. He would do anything within, sometimes without reason for the ones he cherished. He was a true martyr for the ones he cherished. Larry leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter, Lari Jones, of Mansfield; his three loving sons, Dino Westerfield, Lawrence Goolsby Jr., and Lamar Chester Goolsby, all of Columbus; loving grandchildren, Aaron Crittenden, of Mansfield, Lamar Goolsby Jr., Autumn Goolsby and Lawrence Malakai Goolsby III, all of Columbus; loving sisters, Ruby Goolsby, Louise Robinson, and Lettie Lambright, all of Columbus; loving brother, Brack Goolsby, of Columbus; special nephews, Dewayne Goolsby and Ben Hardin III; special nieces, Cherita Goolsby and Crystal Goolsby; nine great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Marie Goolsby; ex-wife, Candace Goolsby, siblings, Leona Couch, James (Jimbo) Goolsby, John Goolsby and Raymond Goolsby, grandson, Brayden Goolsby. The calling hours will be held one hour prior to the services Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11 am, at Small’s Funeral Services, 326 Park Ave. West, Manfield, Ohio 44906. Rev. Mark Cobb will be officiating. The burial will follow at Mansfield Cemetery Association Inc. The family has entrusted Small’s Funeral Services with the arrangement.

Lawrence Goolsby Sr.

August 24, 1948 - February 16, 2026