Larry Ferdinand Sr.

A Life of Legacy, Leadership, and Love
Larry Ferdinand, Sr. was born on February 19, 1947, in Chenal, Louisiana, to Wilbert Earl Ferdinand, Sr., and Amelia Micitto Ferdinand. He was baptized at an early age at Sunrise Baptist Church, Port Allen, LA, Reverend Freddie Williams. His life was defined by integrity, excellence, and family. Larry's legacy is one of education, service, hard work, and faith.
Excelling both academically and athletically, Larry was a star basketball player and valedictorian of Cohn High School's Class of 1965 in Port Allen, Louisiana. He joined one of the first integrated classes at Louisiana State University of Baton Rouge before transferring to Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1969. While pursuing his degree, he worked at the U.S. Postal Service to help support his education and family. Larry remained deeply connected to Southern University, serving later on the Board of Supervisors and advocating for higher education, and often seen wearing his blue and gold proudly. A Career of Service and Leadership
Larry began his career with Western Electric, later AT&T, where he became one of the first African American managers in the 1970s. His career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably before returning to AT&T. He retired after 27 years of dedicated leadership. Committed to community empowerment, Larry founded and led Larry Ferdinand & Associates Realty Company for over 40 years, helping families achieve homeownership believing in its power to level the playing field for all. He also served over 6 years as a Shreveport City Councilman, advocating for equality, education, and economic development. His leadership extended to national politics, serving as an Alternate delegate at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston and receiving White House invitations under the Obama Administration.
Larry served as the former 3rd Vice Chair of the Democratic Party and was a member of the Democratic Parish Executive Committee. He also made a run for a state representative seat, further demonstrating his dedication to public service and advocacy. His public service included positions as Director of Community Development for the City of Shreveport and Director of Continuing Education at Southern University Shreveport-Bossier. He also held appointments under former Gov. Kathleen Blanco with the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, the Red River Waterway Commission, and Blanco's Solution to Poverty Initiative. He was appointed to the Louisiana Board of Housing by former Gov. Bobby Jindal and Louisiana Public Facilities Authority by former Gov. John B. Edwards. Additionally, he was a member of the League of Women Voters and served as a President of the local Shreveport chapter of the NAACP. He was a proud member of 100 Black Men and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Larry's integrity, vision, and commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on all who knew him. A Life Built on Faith and Family
Larry was a devoted man of prayer, faith, and family. A longtime member of Avenue Baptist Church and later Galilee Baptist Church, he proudly served his church family, including roles as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Trustee Board.
He had an insatiable love for learning and was passionate about passing it on to others. A man of unwavering integrity, he was guided by a purpose to ensure African-American voices were heard and that there was always a seat at the table.
He was known by many affectionate nicknames: Hickey, Tip, Captain Move America, Supervisor of All Things, Big Larry, King Ferdinand, Meteorologist Extraordinaire, King of the Razzu of Pecan Candy, Big Cheese, and Supervisor/Quality Control in the Kitchen. However, the titles he cherished most were Daddy and Papa. Among his family, he was recognized for his signature "dance move," his infectious laugh, and uncanny wit. A man of action, Larry had an extraordinary ability to bring ideas and visions to life. He was a master storyteller and an eloquent orator, deeply invested in education and described as a high achiever-a hometown boy who never lost touch with his roots. He remained grounded in great purpose.
On February 26, 2025, Larry Ferdinand, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by loved ones. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Cassandra Gordon Ferdinand, and his children, Vicki Lee Thomas of Orlando, FL, LaVern Ferdinand Tate, Esq. (Corey) of Atlanta, GA, Dr. Larry Ferdinand, Jr. (Tara) of Gainesville, FL, Dr. LaReesa Ferdinand (Darryl) of Winter Garden, FL, and Johnathan Mullins of Seattle, WA. His grandchildren include Larry Johnson, Raymond Johnson, Theodore Thomas, Roosevelt Thomas, Harrison Dukes, Larry Ferdinand III, and Remi Dukes. He leaves behind his siblings, Martha McQuillon of Sacramento, CA, Katherine Bynum of Fairfield, CA, and Anthony Ferdinand, Sr. (Crystal) of Port Allen, LA. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Jeanette Elliot, Margaret Highsmith (Fred), Beatrice Sidney, Mattie Goodwin, Inez Sitith, and LaVerne Gordon. His brothers-in-law include Edward Jackson, Sr. (Olivia), Tommy Gordon, Jr. (Bobbie), George Gordon, Leon Gordon (Sharon), and Orlando Gordon. He was also a cherished godfather to Katrina Sims and LeTresha Armstrong-Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Amelia Ferdinand, his daughter Valerie Johnson, his sisters Mary Murray Jackson, Willie Mae Beverly, Eloise Ferdinand Jack, and his brother Wilbert J. Ferdinand, Sr.