“If God had told me when I left Watertown and moved up here, that he’d lead me up here to start a rescue mission,” Self said, “I’d have been like Jonah and went the other direction. He got me up here and then he directed me, and I don’t regret a minute, I sure don’t.”
Cookeville Rescue Mission founder Larry Self died Monday at age 81, leaving behind a 50-year legacy of helping people overcome homelessness, addiction and hardship.
Cookeville Rescue Mission Executive Director Will Roberts said Self established the organization in 1976 alongside his wife, Betty, and U.L. Whitson. Self served as director for approximately 38 years before retiring in 2014.
“Every time we would get into a situation where somebody was needing something, you could hear him say over and over again, he would say, ‘here is an opportunity,'” Roberts said. “And that was probably a phrase that everybody that knew him well heard hundreds and hundreds of times.”
Roberts said Self and his wife committed their personal resources to the ministry, helping countless people rebuild their lives. Roberts said Self approached every person in need as a chance to make a positive difference, a philosophy that shaped the mission’s work for decades.
“He will be remembered more than anything for the love that he showed his fellow man,” Roberts said.
Roberts said Self’s influence extends beyond the people who received assistance. Several current mission employees, including Roberts himself, became involved because of Self’s kindness and generosity. Roberts said the organization continues to address homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and financial insecurity through faith-based programs focused on helping people rebuild their lives.
“I can tell you countless stories where people are actually alive and productive citizens today because of the efforts of Larry Self,” Roberts said.
Roberts said Self remained committed to recognizing others even during his final days. Just days before his death, Self had planned to accompany Roberts on a visit with Whitson’s daughter but was too tired to attend. Roberts said Self wanted to ensure Whitson received recognition for his contributions to establishing the mission.
“Forever selfless, Larry was trying to promote UL’s contributions above his own or at least equal with his own as to, you know, how the mission started in 1976 and who did what,” Roberts said.
Self lived to see the mission celebrate its 50th anniversary earlier this year. Roberts said the celebration brought together longtime supporters, giving Self an opportunity to personally recognize those who helped sustain the organization. Although his health had declined, Roberts said Self continued sharing the mission’s message whenever possible.
Roberts said the mission will carry forward Self’s commitment to helping people regardless of their circumstances, including those who struggle repeatedly before finding stability. He said Self’s example remains a guiding influence on the organization’s leadership and staff.
“We’re going to miss him,” Roberts said. “We believe that life was better with him on planet earth, but he’s leaving a great legacy that will outlast his life time and time again.”
Roberts asked the community to keep Self’s wife, Betty, and the entire family in their prayers as they mourn his passing.
