Laurie R. Philpot

Laurie R. Philpot
Gainesville - Laurie R. Philpot, age 89, a longtime resident of Gainesville, FL, passed away April 1, 2021 at home in Jacksonville in the company of loving family.
Laurie was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. Following graduation from the University of Florida, and training for the Army's Special Forces as a paratrooper and medic, his career was in risk management where he managed Crawford & Company's Gainesville office for 30 years. He was active with the Rotary Club in Gainesville for decades.
Laurie was a member of the University City Church of Christ approximately 60 years where he served as teacher, deacon, & elder. He was especially involved with Zambia missions, including traveling with a medical team. He was the founder and first Director of the UCCC Recovery Ministry formed to help individuals overcome problems associated with addictions. Independently, throughout his lifetime, Laurie personally helped numerous individuals, many times bringing them to live in his own home when in need.
Laurie was an enthusiastic Florida Gator football fan and enjoyed learning about history.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Philpot and Grace Brooker Philpot; siblings, H.P. Philpot (Betty), Earlene Philpot Carter (Bob) and Gene Philpot; son, Walter Philpot; and grandson, Scott Bledsoe.
Laurie is survived by his "beautiful wife, the pride of my life" Margaret Bragg Philpot, to whom he was married for 65 years; daughters, Dana (Roy) Sawyer and Lynn (Lee) Bledsoe; grandsons, Michael Bledsoe and Parker Bledsoe, and many other relatives and friends.
The graveside service will be a private family remembrance. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Zambia Mission Fund; POB 3393, Abilene, TX 79604 or www.zambiamission.org.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville. 904-737-7171.