Family, friends, church members, and community leaders gathered Tuesday, September 29, to celebrate the life and legacy of Pastor H. Larry Eason with a street dedication in his honor.
Macon-Bibb County officially dedicated Emory Avenue between Felton Avenue and Telfair Street as “Pastor H. Larry Eason Way,” recognizing his years of service, leadership, and impact on the community.
The ceremony began inside Greater Little Rock Baptist Church, where loved ones shared memories of Pastor Eason and reflected on the difference he made in the lives of those around him. Following the remarks, attendees gathered outside to unveil the new street sign.
“I praise God for the man God gave me. He was a great pastor. The whole church mourned him. He was a wonderful father and a beautiful person. I miss him dearly,” said his wife, Cynthia Eason.
Pastor David Stanley also reflected on Pastor Eason’s service to the church and the greater Macon community.
“We salute him. We thank God for him. We wish he could have stayed around a little longer to help us out in the City of Macon, but God said ‘Come on home. Servant, well done,’” said Pastor Stanley.
The new street name will serve as a lasting reminder of Pastor Eason’s life and the people he touched through his ministry and service.
For his family and church community, seeing his name along the street near Greater Little Rock Baptist Church ensures his legacy will remain part of the community he spent so much of his life serving.
About Pastor Eason
Pastor Hollis Larry Eason was born on July 31, 1951, to the late Edward A. Eason and Ella C. Eason Webb. He was the youngest of ten children.
Pastor Eason attended M.M. Burdell Elementary School and Peter G. Appling High School, graduating in 1969. Following graduation, he attended Fort Valley State University. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy, from which he was honorably discharged in 1972. He proudly served during the Vietnam era and was recognized as a Vietnam-era veteran. Pastor Eason also earned biblical degrees from Mercer University and Carolina University of Theology.
Pastor Eason was employed by the Federal Railroad Administration before beginning a successful career in the Insurance industry. He served as an insurance agent with Independent Life and Metropolitan Life Insurance, where he received numerous commendations for his professional achievements. In 1991, Pastor Eason and his lifelong friend, Deacon Barry Walker, established the Eason-Walker Insurance Agency. Operating from two locations, the agency was founded on a commitment to serving the minority community and providing the highest level of customer service. This dedication led to the agency being recognized by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus as Minority Small Business of the Year. In 2010, the agency transitioned into independent operations, and Pastor Eason and his son, Gerren, founded Eason, Eason and Associates Insurance Agency.
As a lifelong member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Eason faithfully served in numerous capacities, including the Trustee Ministry and Deacons Ministry. He also served as church treasurer for several years. He had the privilege of teaching Vacation Bible School and the Adult Sunday School Class. In addition, Pastor Eason served as chairman of the Building Committee for the construction of the church’s current edifice.
In 2001, Pastor Eason answered the Lord’s call to the gospel ministry and preached his first sermon on October 7, 2001. He was called to pastor Greater Little Rock Baptist Church on September 11, 2002, and was ordained by Pastor David Stanley on October 27, 2002. Pastor Eason immediately recognized the need for the church to become actively involved in addressing the challenges facing the surrounding community. As a result, he founded Out and Up, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves the community through an early childhood education program.
Pastor Eason was not only a teacher of the Word, but also a student of the Bible. He emphasized the importance of both knowing the Word and living the Word. As pastor, he instituted two weekly Bible study sessions, a dynamic early-morning enrichment program for all ages, special seminars, and numerous other learning opportunities. To the glory of God, Pastor Eason led Greater Little Rock Baptist Church through an extensive building and renovation project and welcomed more than 300 individuals into membership and/or salvation.
Pastor H. Larry Eason was an avid sportsman who enjoyed baseball, softball, and golf. He also loved fishing and spent countless hours doing so with his mother and friends. Known by all as a man of his word, he was a committed, trusted, and dedicated visionary who loved God and boldly preached and taught His Word. He consistently emphasized that faith is the key to a successful and God-pleasing life. His faith in God was evidenced by the courage and grace he demonstrated throughout his battle with cancer. Even during this difficult journey, he never failed to fulfill his pastoral responsibilities until he was called home to be with the Lord.