Mr. Larry A. Cruse, age 66, of Morganton passed away December 11, 2013 in Gainesville, GA. Born in Morganton, GA he was the son of the late Jessie and Geneva Underwood Cruse. Mr. Cruse was an award winning professional horse trainer, active member in the National Racking Horse Association and a recent inductee into the Hall of Fame. He was currently a Judge panel member. He was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Sue Hamrick. Survivors include his wife, Sandra B. Cruse of the home; son and daughter-in-law, Darell and Diana Cruse of Blue Ridge, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Shane Brooks of Morganton, GA; sister, Martha Lou Murdock of Canton, GA; three grandchildren, Erica and Shellbie Cruse and Toby Brooks; five step-grandchildren, Larry, Zachary, Colton Atherton and Kaitlyn and Bryan Brooks. Funeral Services were conducted Sunday December 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scott Baugh and Rev. Randy Hooper officiating. Music was provided the AC Caylor Family. Interment followed in the Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mike Arnold, Wesley Jones, John Acuff, Frank T. Burke, Greg Henderson and Mike Cantrell. Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Baugh, Jim Falls, Greg Carlton, Michael Sexton, David McDaris and Jim Norton. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. .