Throughout The Paul Finebaum Show’s 11-year history, there have been some truly memorable callers. On Monday, the show lost one of its most iconic callers, ‘Larry from Shelby, Alabama,’ whom Finebaum paid tribute to on Monday’s show.
Larry Wallace, better known to viewers of The Paul Finebaum Show as ‘Larry from Shelby,’ was best known for his diehard support of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program and his famous admission that he casually drinks 25 Bud Lights each gameday.
For some, Wallace was appreciated as a wacky caller who shared his hot takes about Alabama football over the years. However, he also became one of Finebaum’s biggest supporters.
Finebaum was choked up when informing his listeners about his passing during Monday’s show.
“It is virtually impossible for me to begin the final hour with this news, which we have just learned about over the past few minutes,” said Finebaum. “Which is one of the truly iconic callers in the history of this show, Larry Wallace, Larry from Shelby, not very far from where we sit, has passed away, according to several of his friends. We heard from Larry just last week. It was an absolutely heartbreaking and gut-wrenching call. But he was on oxygen, on a ventilator at the hospital. But he wanted to call. We were fairly certain it would be his final call. But we are so appreciative of him and his family for keeping us up to date. And for so many of you who have gone to see him, who have sent him texts, who have benefited from his love and commitment to this program.”
Remembering one of our favorite callers in Finebaum Show history, Larry in Shelby: pic.twitter.com/sxZohvgJxp
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) May 19, 2025
Given that Larry opted to make his final call on the show from his hospital bed, he would undoubtedly have appreciated this kind tribute from Finebaum. Larry will surely be someone ingrained in the memory of The Paul Finebaum Show viewers for years to come, as many did acknowledge his passing on social media.
Always liked Ole Larry. Have a Bud light in Heaven. RIP 🙏
— James David (@JD0369USMCRET) May 19, 2025
Larry will be truly missed! This Finebaum made everyone special in our Hearts 💞 Grace n Peace Larry
— Eagle One (@EagleEy2306) May 19, 2025
Very sorry to hear this, Larry was a good man.
Thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) May 19, 2025
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.