Lawrence Jay Friedman, VMD, 93, of Crossville, passed away on Sept. 9, 2024, in Crossville.

Lawrence was born in Brooklyn, NY, on Dec. 27, 1930, to the late Aaron and Alice Friedman.

He went to school at Lawrence High School, NY, then went on to attend multiple colleges. He attended Syracuse University from 1948-52 where he received a B.S. in chemistry, New York Polytechnic Institute from 1952-1954 and received his M.S. in chemistry. He took a short break from schooling and served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 in both chemical and medical Corps. He served in the Korean War and received an honorable discharge in 1956. Education was so important to him that he returned to attend Columbia University from 1956-1958 to receive his M.S. in chemical engineering to finally attend the University of Pennsylvania from 1963-1967, where he received his VMD in School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating summa cum laude.

Throughout his years he had many accomplishments. One he was so proud of was when he built and founded his own Hilton Hospital for Animals. It grew into a respected five veterinarian facility with about 15 employees. Larry owned this hospital until 1985, when he moved to Sarasota, FL. He wasn’t done with veterinary work yet so once he settled, he opened The West Coast Mobile Clinic doing both equine and small animal medicine and surgery. Larry’s love of animals was one of a kind. When he finally retired from the practice, he opened his own store out on St. Armand Circle called Big Kids Toy and Handbag Hideway. Both these stores carried special and unique items that were one of a kind. He sold the business after 10 years. Full-time retirement was calling, so he retired and devoted full-time to his horse farm Willoughby Farms.

The mountains were calling him, and he made his final move to Crossville in 2007 with his lovely wife Shirley. They would have celebrated their 30th anniversary on Nov. 10th.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Alice Friedman; first wife, Phyllis Friedman; sister, Leona Rutter; and brother, Daniel Friedman.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of almost 30 years, Shirley Friedman; his dogs, Hooter and Mia; his children, Andrea Friedman, Connecticut, Russell Friedman (Rita) Georgia, Mitchell Friedman, New York, Dawn Linthicum (John) Sarasota, Florida, Stefanie Cooper (Tim) Crossville, TN, and Christina St. Amour (Gary) North Port, Florida. He loved and adored his twenty grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

Larry loved his life, and the life he built here in Crossville. He will be loved and missed by everyone who came in contact with him.

A private service will be held for immediate family on Saturday Sept. 21, at City Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow at Oaklawn Baptist Church on Hwy. 70E from 1 to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the family looks forward to seeing you there to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to A Time for Paws and FOCCAS.