Lawrence "Larry" Stanfill

1936 - 2023

Lawrence "Larry" Stanfill

January 15, 1936 - December 5, 2023

Miami Shores, Florida - Lawrence ("Larry") Stanfill

Larry Stanfill was born to Tempie and Stephen Stanfill in Valdosta, Georgia on January 15, 1936. He died on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Larry moved with his family to Miami, Florida in the summer of 1946. In September, he entered fifth grade at Citrus Grove Elementary/Junior High School where he met Carol Keels, who would later become his devoted and loving wife of 65 years. He attended Miami Senior High School, graduating in 1954. Larry went on to attend the University of Florida where he graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science. While at the University of Florida, he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Larry married Carol and they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended Emory University. There he studied dentistry and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1962. Following dental school, he joined the United States Air Force and served as a dentist at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In 1964 Larry opened his dental practice in Miami Shores, Florida. When he retired from the practice of dentistry in 2014, he was fortunate enough to be treating the fourth generation of his long-time patients. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his patients and their families. His patients appreciated his welcoming smile, dedication, and attentive care. Larry was a proud member of the Triple Win Dental Study Club, as well as other professional organizations.

Larry was a strong believer in community and service. He enjoyed providing free dental services through local clinics for many years. He was also active in his church serving as a Deacon, Elder, and member of many committees. He enjoyed participating in the church's annual Living Nativity and its Stephen Ministries program. Larry was active for many years with Cursillo, which later became Via de Cristo. He also served on Miami Country Day School's Board of Trustees for over twenty years. He was most passionate about his work on behalf of the faculty and students. During his time on the Board, Larry had the privilege of seeing Miami Country Day grow to the prestigious school it is today.

Larry was both a devoted husband to Carol and a proud father to his two daughters, Susan Carlson and Lauri Bledsoe, and his six grandchildren Kurt and Kate Carlson and William, Luke, Sarah and Mae Bledsoe. He never missed an opportunity to let his family know how much he loved them and how proud he was of their many accomplishments. In his spare time, he loved working in his garden and was a prolific reader.

Larry was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Tempie Stanfill, his mother-in law and father-in-law Bernice and Dan Keels, his sister Jeannette and her husband Dorwin Van Gundy, and his brother Steve and his wife Mela Stanfill.

Larry's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, 602 NE 96th Street, Miami Shores, Florida, 33138. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Larry Stanfill may be made to the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church, Smile Train (an organization providing free cleft palate treatment to children around the world), P.O. Box 96231, Washington D.C., 20090, or Miami Country Day School, Office of Philanthropy, 601 NE 107th Street, Miami, FL 33161. Please put "In Honor of Larry Stanfill" in the memo line.