Larry Elmore Memorial Scholarship at Tennessee Tech honors respected accounting leader
The Larry Elmore Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of a 1976 Tennessee
Tech accounting graduate. Elmore passed away on March 2, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee,
at the age of 70, but friends and family say this scholarship ensures that his memory
lives on in the next generation of accountants.
The scholarship, created by long-time friends David and Betty Jo Pesterfield, will support upperclassmen accounting majors from East Tennessee, with special consideration given to students who intend to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree.
“The best business relationships are built on trust and friendship,” said David Pesterfield. “For 45 years, we were lucky to have one of the best business advisors who was also a cherished friend. Our relationship was not limited to business but covered a multitude of subjects from family to sports and everything in between. This scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to Elmore’s unwavering dedication to the accounting profession, his alma mater and the many people he mentored and impacted.”
Elmore joined Pugh CPAs in 1977 and spent his entire career at the Knoxville-based firm, ultimately serving as its president from 2006 to 2011, and retired in 2019. Known for his commitment to excellence, integrity and mentorship, Elmore shaped the careers of countless accounting professionals.
“Larry was a steadfast advocate for the accounting profession and a mentor to many,” said Barrett Simonis, President of Pugh CPAs. “He elevated the standards by instilling integrity, excellence and purpose to all who had the privilege to work with him. Our firm and profession are better because of Larry Elmore’s legacy of hard work, character and leadership.”
Elmore’s impact extended far beyond Pugh CPAs, with leadership roles in organizations such as the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy. Elmore also gave back to the community and served on many nonprofit boards across the span of his career.
Elmore remained deeply connected to Tennessee Tech throughout his life, serving on
the College of Business accounting advisory board and contributing his time and expertise
to advancing the university’s academic mission.
To support the Larry Elmore Memorial Scholarship, visit www.tntech.edu/giving or mail a check to the TTU Foundation, Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505. Select Larry
Elmore Memorial Scholarship from the dropdown menu online or include the scholarship
name in the check’s memo line.