Maurice A. Larry

    Home going celebration for Mr. Maurice Antonio Larry, I who went home to his Savior on May 23, 2021 will be held on Saturday June 12th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Cathedral, 3401 Bishop Eddie Newkirk Way, Tampa, Florida, Pastor Dwight Newkirk with Pastor Duwayne Smith, Officiating/Eulogist of Embrace Christian Church.  Interment will be made on Monday June 14, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida. Military Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guards.

    Mr. Maurice Antonio Larry I was born on September 29, 1959 to Mr. Oscar J. Larry and Mrs. Helen A. Larry in Tampa, Florida. As a child he developed a love for the game of baseball and joined the Belmont Heights Little League where he gained lifelong friends and brothers. He attended Robinson High School where he was an active member of the band and he would often tell stories about his love of being on the drumline. After graduating from Robinson in 1977, Maurice worked at various jobs, including Winn Dixie and Albertsons Grocery Stores before joining the US Army in 1988. He made this decision so that he could provide a better life for his family and so that he could travel the world, which he did. SFC Larry proudly served his country for 20 years, serving in Desert Storm, the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and service twice at the DMZ Zone in Korea. He gained several medals and decorations from the military including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, South West Asia Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal Campaign Star, Overseas Service Ribbon, and a Marksmanship Qualification Badge, among many other awards.

     Upon completing 20 years of service in the Army and retiring as a Human Resources Specialist, Maurice continued employment at Yamaha and Chase, before joining Hillsborough County Public Schools where he worked for over 7 years. He loved baseball, music, working in his yard, and his family dearly. Maurice touched so many lives both near and far during his lifetime, including family, friends, coworkers, and oftentimes even strangers. He also served as a mentor to young men and women that would come into his life, always providing words of encouragement as well as the Word of God.

     Maurice Larry is preceded in death by his father Oscar J. Larry, Sr., his mother Helen A. Larry, sisters Carolyn Larry, Betty Lou Swain Bell and Helen R. Larry, brothers Oscar J. Larry, Jr., Fredrick Larry and Seldwin “Bernard” Larry, uncles Benjamin “Snooks” Alston and Mahurley Alston, beloved cousin C.W. Larry, beloved sister-n-law Elaine Hicks beloved brother-n-law Ronald Williams, Sr., his beloved Aunt Altamese “T” Alston, and beloved mother-n-law Mrs. Frankie Jones.

     He leaves to cherish his memories and carry on his legacy, his loving and devoted wife and best friend of over 40 years, Mrs. Kimberly Larry, daughter Katavia Larry, son Maurice A. Larry II, grandson Elijah Larry (Felicia), and grandson Malakai Larry, sister Stella Profit (Herman), brothers Michael Larry and Myron Larry, sister-n-laws Jacqueline Hudson and Cynthia Williams, brother-n-law Sephus “Sugar” Jones, special friends Louis and Jaquelyn Barnes, as well as a host of other in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, close friends and coworkers.

     Maurice Antonio Larry I lived a life full of energy and service. He was always willing and ready to help whoever he could. He often could be found serving at his church, Embrace Christian Church, in whatever capacity was needed of him. He leaves this legacy as a model for those to follow after him.

     Special Thanks To: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Accurate Health Services, Seasons’ Hospice, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Hillsborough County Schools, Pastor Duwayne Smith and First Lady Fayeshawn Smith and the Embrace Christian Church Family, Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ Church Family, The Reflections of Christ’s Kingdom World Outreach International Church Family, Connection to Christ Ministries Church Family, People for Christ Ministries Church Family, Empowered for Purpose Ministries Church Family, K&G, as well as a host of family and friends for all of the prayers, calls, texts, visits, flowers, cards, gifts, words of encouragement, and all other sympathetic gestures.

     There will be a viewing at Wilson Funeral Home, 3000 N. 29th Street, Tampa, Florida on Friday, June 11th, 2021 from 3: 00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.  Due to the current CDC restrictions; we are asking that you use the visitation as an opportunity to pay your final respect. For your convenience and safety, we have extended our visitation hours.  MASKS REQUIRED AT ALL SERVICES.