Harold Lawrence Witsell Jr.

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Harold Lawrence Witsell, Jr. (Larry), a distinguished member of the Central Florida community, passed away on January 30, 2025, after a long illness. He was a well-loved man honored by his family, many friends, and colleagues.
Larry was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 8, 1948. He was a member of St. Gabriel Episcopal Church, where he served as an Altar Boy. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1965 and attended Florida A&M University. While at FAMU, he was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War but chose to sign up with the Marines. He retired from military service on June 1, 2000.
Larry met his wife Tyra in 1977 while they were attending Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. They were married on March 18, 1977, in Dayton, Ohio. Larry and Tyra traveled all over the world during his military service. They were blessed with a son, Harold Lawrence Witsell III (Trey), on Oct. 3, 1979. Larry, Tyra, and Trey finally settled in central Florida in 1992. He was very proud of being a Marine. He distinguished himself with many awards and medals. After retirement from the Marines on June 1, 2000, he embarked on another career in retail and became a Store Manager with Sears, HR District Manager, and Instructor with Sears University. He loved having family over for special occasions and holidays. He had many wonderful years with Tyra and Trey. They had great vacations and continued to travel and explore. However, his best trips were to Disney when Trey was a boy. He often said his greatest accomplishments were marrying the love of his life and raising his son. He was so proud of the man that Trey grew up to be. When Trey married his wife Kristi, Larry and Tyra fell in love with her and welcomed her with open arms. When their daughter Tracelyn was born, Larry and Tyra's hearts were filled with joy. He absolutely loved being a grandfather, lovingly called "Pop Pop". He spent lots of time with Tracelyn going over homework, going to bookstores, and taking "her" to Disney and other fun places. He was so proud of Tracelyn as she excelled in school. She will be graduating from high school this year with high honors and will be attending the University of Central Florida this summer.
In his youth, Larry marched in the Northwestern High School band under Dr. Julian White, and played the saxophone and flute. He formed a small jazz band and played at different venues while in Jacksonville. His drummer was Walter Orange, lead singer and drummer of the world famous "Commodores". He continued to play the Sax throughout his life. He had a passion for music, reading, politics, and corvettes. He owned several Corvettes over the years. He was also a technology wiz who could answer any of our questions concerning cell phones, computers, TV remotes, and other high-tech gadgets. For relaxation, he loved watching sports, playing golf, scuba, and chilling out in his pool.
During Larry's illness, his sister-in-law, Vickie was such a blessing to his family. She came down to Florida to help Tyra care for him. He spoke often about how much she meant to him and was so grateful she was there for her sister. Larry was a devoted son and loved his mother very much. He made sure he was there whenever his mother needed him. He was a loving big brother and always supportive of his brother and sisters over the years. He hosted many family reunions and holiday gatherings and attended many all over the country. He was always there to provide a strong shoulder to lean on when needed. Larry was the leader of the Witsell family, and the younger family members all looked up to him.
His Professional Resume Includes:
Career
United States Marine Corps Veteran of 20+ years
National Defense Service Medal
Navy Unit Commendation
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Achievement Medal / Navy Commendation Medal
Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation
Sea Services Deployment Ribbon
Rifle Sharpshooter Badge / Pistol Expert Badge
Aviation Mechanic / Navigator on KC 130 planes
Marine Recruiter, oversight and management of Marine recruiting stations
Marine Recruiter Instructor
Orange County Public Schools Permanent Substitute Teacher
Sears Regional Manager
Kaplan University Student Recruiter
Real Estate Agent
Education
Central State University
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Cum Laude
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts in Organizational Management, Cum Laude
Community Involvement
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Life Member
Member of Masonic Lodge / NAACP
Ft. Lauderdale Community School District
Kiwanis
Larry and Tyra lived a full and happy life together for 48 years. They were blessed with a wonderful son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter who adored him. He was predeceased by his father, Harold Lawrence Witsell, Sr. in 1977.
His family lovingly leaves him in the blessed hands of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his memory will be cherished and honored by his Wife, Tyra Witsell, his Son, Trey Witsell and, Granddaughter, Tracelyn Witsell. Sadly, he leaves behind his beloved Mother, Georgia Witsell; 3 Sisters, Gail Morrell, Patti Moore, and Debra Council (Wayne); and his Brother, Anthony Witsell (Cynthia). Also, Aunts: Christella Witsell Bryant, Loye Jean King; and Uncle, Curtis Clay (Deloris); Sisters-in-Law: Vickie Morgan, Leah Anderson, Anita Brooks Gilmore, and Jackie Murphy-Carr. He also leaves behind many cousins that he grew up with in Jacksonville, and Texas, and his beloved godsons: Hugh Anderson, Dante Oliver, and Julian Span. Lifelong friends, including Jesse Hunter (Marion), former Marine Calvin Simmons (Eunice), John Christopher (Jackie) and Carl Anderson (Veronica, Esq.), and Steve Baker, Esq. ( Erika). Larry leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, other loving relatives, and friends.