Wednesday, February 15, 2012

J. Edgar "Larry" Lawrence Rowland.


J Edgar “Larry” Lawrence Rowland, 61 of Sanford died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, February 9, 2012.  Larry, a native Floridian, was born in Gainesville, FL on August 3, 1950.  Raised in Pompano Beach, FL he became an avid surfer and loved the water.   During college he was a youth pastor sharing the love of Jesus Christ for all to know Him as deeply as he did.  After graduating Florida Bible College in 1974 he started a career with Winn Dixie as a manager in Raleigh, North Carolina and then in Fort Pierce, Florida.  In 1986 Larry moved to Central Florida and started his career in sales.  In 1989 he joined the Tom James Company selling custom clothing and excelled so quickly that he achieved the President’s Club Award within three years.  Larry was an inspiring man to his family, friends and clients who were like family to him.  He took great pride in helping others look good and feel great in their new attire.  Larry was diagnosed with multiple brain tumors on January 4, 2012.  Even with this news, he never stopped trusting in Jesus or sharing the gospel with those around him often saying, “The good news is I get to see Jesus, the bad news is I get to see him before you do”.  He loved the Lord and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and was extremely saddened that he had to leave his family behind.  Larry is survived by his loving wife, Mary; six children, Christy Peters, Deborah Calhoon, Joy Mentz, Blake Kelly, Lauren Kelly and Danielle Fredericks and six grandchildren, Emma, Adin, Ian, Taylor, Lexi and Mackenzie.   A Life Celebration will be held 10:30AM, Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Northland Church, (where he was a member for 20 years).
We got the news of Larry's passing out in the newspaper this week (I hate the word obituary). This is the picture we used and are using for the Memorial (It's our favorite of him) ..... We're looking forward to celebrating his life this weekend and honoring him. Hope we do him justice.

Also, there's is no doubt my Momma is one loved woman. She was showered with tons of love yesterday on her first Valentine's Day without Larry. But he was with her :)

12 comments:

Aishlea said...

:)

Beautiful.

Rebecca Jo said...

I didnt know he was a youth pastor!!! :) Super cool! And worked at Winn Dixie - I worked at Winn Dixie... this guy just keeps getting higher on my list! :)

That was beautifull written!

I love how loved your momma is! :)

Kristin said...

I am sure you will honor Larry this weekend...you are already doing that today!!

Meagan said...

Beautiful article on Larry. I hope I am as loved and appreciated that much when my time comes! <33

ty said...

We did the same thing with my grandmother's passing right before Thanksgiving ... we had her picture set up at her spot at the table. God bless your sweet mama and your family.

Jessie Jones said...

Beautiful valentines for a beautiful lady! Still thinking of you guys.

Jill said...

He was an amazing man!

Continuing to pray for your sweet family.

xoxo

Perfectly Imperfect said...

sounds like he was an amazing man :) thinking of y'all lauren. xoxo

Jessica @ Wanting Adventure said...

That is a beautiful remembrance of Larry. What a guy. I'm glad you were there for your mom yesterday.

Trina said...

That was a beautiful tribute to Larry for your paper. I think of and pray for you {and your mom/family} often as I've said multiple times, I just want to you know you all are loved and I'm so glad to see your mom smiling and that she was loved on this week.

Maria said...

You are all so blessed to have had Larry in your lives. All those places mentioned have a special significance to me (hello Gainesville) and he accomplished a lot here on Earth. But he's definitely happier now!

Kim said...

Larry seemed like a really great guy!! So saddened he had to leave this Earth so soon. Praying you all will get through this with a peace of mind knowing he's rejoicing in heaven!! ♥