NEWPORT-Larry Fish, operator of one of Cocke County's largest farming operations, died suddenly Friday after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home. He was 60.

At one time, his local business encompassed more than 1,500 acres and employed more than 400 people.

Born July 25, 1949 in Hartford, he was the son of Carroll Jack Fish and his wife, the former Laney Cotheran.

As a child, he moved with his family to Seabrook, N.J., where he was educated. His family operated a nursery in New Jersey.

In 1975, Fish returned to Cocke County and established "Fish Farms" in 1976. He would later say he began with "one mule, three acres, and $75 to my name."

His acreage was located in the Edwina community and was made up of the former Charles Clark farm, the Waters farm, and portion of others. It lay on both sides of the Pigeon River.

He raised tomatoes and Black Angus cattle.

In addition to that, he was nationally known as a competitive horseman and hosted team ropings at his farm, which he named "Pioneer Ranch." This work included the breeding, raising, and training of Quarter Horses.

He was the sponsor of Tyler Magnus, a grand champion roper, now featured on television. When Magnus received his award in Las Vegas, he turned immediately and dedicated it to Fish, who was standing with him.

He was also a devoted bear hunter, who favored dogs trained by Native Americans in Washington. He also enjoyed classic cars and motorcycles.

His children remember him as "the epitome of a man who earned an honest living."

One of his daughters quoted him as saying, "I would give up everything I have to have my parents back and all my children safe at home with me."

Fish was a member of numerous farming organizations including the Cocke County Farm Bureau, Cocke County Farmers Cooperative, American Quarter Horse Association, and National Reigning Horse Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gordon Melvin Fish, and a sister, Helen Sue Fish.

He is survived by his brothers Jimmy and Walt Fish and sister Peggy Fish Williams, all of Newport; four daughters: Kathy Fish Brooks, Christine Fish Gilliam, Jamie Fish Smith, all of Newport; and Tracy Lawrence Pooser, Florida; one son: Larry Lawrence, New Jersey; and seven grandchildren: Jordan Codi Wood, Brody McCain Gilliam, Jackson McCaid Mason, Addelyn McKai Smith, Heather and Katie Pooser, and Bailey Lawrence.

The family will receive friends Monday at Brown Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Graveside services will be held at the Cotheran Cemetery in Edwina on Tuesday at 10 a.m.