Larry Vaughan

Larry Vaughan, of Kingsport, Tn passed away peacefully with his adoring wife and grandsons by his side after a grueling 3 year battle with rare bile duct cancer. He was a well known and respected auctioneer and antiques “picker” for almost 40 years. He was the first in the country to take a live bid-call auction experience onto the Facebook platform in 2017, after having in-gallery auctions for years before. He was recognized with a feature article in Maine Antiques Digest magazine in their March 2026 edition for his expertise and innovation. He often used his Facebook platform, Pickers Auction, to minister to and share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with thousands of followers, many times during live auctions. His grandsons, worked right beside him until the end as his right-hand men. He was short in stature but had a personality that was larger than life.

His love and knowledge of fine antiques was evidenced by anyone who came in contact with him and he is credited with finding and placing some of the finest and rarest of Southern antique pieces into exceptional collections across the south. He LOVED “PICKING” and selling antiques to the end of his life. More than his love of antiques was his love of God and his Savior, Jesus Christ and he was on a mission to share this love and message with everyone. His favorite message was from verse John 10:10 “live life and it more abundantly.” (The words of Jesus.) And he also frequently reminded us all “we live below our privilege.”

He is survived by his devoted wife and partner, Kathy, who stood by his side to the end; daughters, April Vaughan, Kelly Frye, and special step daughter Stefanie Stayton (Landon); grandchildren, Arkham, Sidney, Adam, Summer Stayton, Blake Stayton, Jesse Stayton, and Shane Cloud; great granddaughter, Kinslee Maxwell; beloved sisters, Jewel Farris (Stan), and Juanita Vaughan (Richard Keesling); brothers, Bobby Vaughan, Robert Vaughan (Edna), and Albert Vaughan; and special family friend, Terry Morrison of Moyock, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sam and Alberta (Bertie) Vaughan; infant sister, Maryann Vaughan; brothers, Eddie Vaughan and David Vaughan.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and then again from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport.  A funeral service will follow with Chaplain Mike Fry officiating.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park.  Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 am.

Carter Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Vaughan family.