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Larry E. McGriff, age 77, passed away on November 19, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones in West Chester, PA. Larry McGriff was born in a farmhouse on 11/27/40 to Byron D. McGriff and Lucille (Eubank) McGriff. Raised on a farm with his siblings near Arcanum, Ohio, Larry came from a musical family and his grandparents bought his first instrument. After his chores were done each night, he practiced his trumpet for hours. The love he had for playing trumpet was remarkable and eventually shaped him into the inspirational leader he became. Larry left the farm to pursue Music Education at Lebanon Valley College. His first job was Band Director for Littlestown High School and soon after he transitioned to Marple Newtown Senior High. Larry made his indelible mark on the Marple Newtown School District through his commitment to shaping student lives. He created the first ever Bandarama Marching Band Festival that has now run for 46 years. During his tenure as Band Director, he had countless first-place finishes in some of the country’s most prestigious parades. Larry inspired a lifetime of love for music. Larry married the love of his life, Tari, in 1993. Their union blessed the lives of many as they enjoyed nature, art, music and family. They spent their summers in their cabin on Lynx Lake in WI where Larry showcased his woodworking skills and they embraced simplicity while communing with the natural world. Larry proudly helped all of his grandchildren learn instruments. Larry and Tari built a beautiful life together and their love song will play forever. Larry is survived by his wife, Tari (Beers) McGriff; daughter, Lisa (Dave) Schiedt; stepdaughters, Wendy Clinton, Janine (George) Wilson, grandchildren; Alyssa & Lindsay Godown, Jacob & Emma Scheidt, Bryce & Randall Clinton, Josephine & Gianeva Wilson, siblings; Sharon McGriff Flory (Lloyd) Claycomb, and David (Sally) McGriff; nieces; Lisa Flory Cherico and Angela Flory (Victor) Weaver and nephew; Jamie (Faith) McGriff. He was preceded in death by his parents: Byron & Lucille McGriff; brother-in-law John Flory; nephews: John Flory and Timothy McGriff and niece: Vicki Flory. Larry McGriff was a pillar in each community of which he was a part and he brought joy to each person he met. His gentle kindness and humor were contagious and each person he impacted was better for having known him. Please join us in honoring the life of Larry E. McGriff at one of the following: 12/28/18:from 6 - 8:30 pm at Marple Newtown Senior High 12/30/18: 12 pm lunch followed by 1 pm Memorial Service at Exton Community Baptist Church (friends and family) In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to: 1. Exton Community Baptist Church/Larry E. McGriff Memorial Fund 114 Swedesford Rd, Exton, PA 19341 2. Lebanon Valley College/Larry E. McGriff Scholarship C/O Lebanon Valley College Advancement Office, 101 North College Ave. Annville, PA 17003
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Published in The Daily Times on Dec. 12, 2018
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