William Larry Griggs

Larry Griggs

“Hello, uglier than me!”

ELSINORE — William Larry Griggs, 81, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Provo.

Born Oct. 21, 1943, in Willits, Calif., to Jack Pehrson and Dorothy Shelton, he was the youngest of three children.

Reared in southern Utah, he graduated from Panguitch High School, and later studied auto and diesel mechanics at Sevier Valley Tech in Richfield, where he earned his associate degree.

Larry met his best friend, and lifetime companion, Dixie Sorensen, at a house warming party in Monroe in 1978; and they later made their home in Elsinore, where they raised their five children.

He proudly supported his children, and grandchildren in not only every activity in which they were involved; but, also at the special events, including “Larry” movies, and Sunny Shopper visits for candy and/or soda runs.

Favorite grandchildren pastime memories include “Grandpa Chocolate,” DI visits, yard sales, and never being without candy.

However, he wasn’t just a father and grandfather to his children, he was “Grandpa Larry” to the entire neighborhood.

Larry was a man who seemed to know everybody. His family recounted a story that during a family getaway, he even ran into a familiar face at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

A truck driver by trade, Larry delivered for Palmer Brothers Inc [PBI], UW Freight, and Hales Sand & Gravel.

A member of the Elsinore Volunteer Fire Department, he served as the fire chief for many years; and he was the owner/operator of Larry’s Repair.

His proudest work, however, was the restoration of his 1927 Essex Boattail Speedster.

Survived by the love of his life, Dixie; children, Lori (Jeromy) Roberts, Elsinore; Bill (Wendy) Sorensen, Salina; David (Joan) Sorensen, Shelton, Wash.; Toni Williams, Colorado; Mary Sorensen, Cedar City; 20 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Dickie Griggs, and Donald Griggs.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 28, at noon, in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel, 50 South 100 West, in Richfield.
Friends may call at the mortuary Sunday, from 6 to 7 p.m.; and Monday, prior to services, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Interment will be in the Elsinore Cemetery.

Funeral directors, Magleby Mortuary Richfield, Salina and Manti.
Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com.