Larry Graham

In 1963, I graduated from Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, USMCR. (Married in 1962 before graduation; daughter born, 1963). Active duty in Marine Corps as an Aviation Supply Officer, being stationed at various Marine bases throughout the nation, in addition to a one-year tour of duty at Okinawa, Japan and Da Nang, Vietnam (1964-65). Released from active duty at the rank of Captain in June, 1967, at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, NC, where I served as Senior supply officer for 4 helicopter squadrons, 3 F4B Phantom Fighter squadrons, and 2 A3D Skyhawk squadrons. Moved to Gainesville, FL, graduating from the University of Florida with a Masters in Music Education in 1968.
I was recruited as a Professor of Music for Central Florida Community College in Ocala, FL (1968-69), then at Valencia Community College in Orlando (1969-2003). When we moved from temporary quarters to the new campus, I wrote a song of celebration (“O Sing Unto the Lord”) that was performed by the chorus.
I was divorced in 1974 and remarried in 1977. Three daughters were born of that marriage, all of whom now live in Orlando. My oldest daughter has 4 children (3 daughters and a son); middle daughter is divorced; youngest daughter has 2 children (a daughter and a son). I was divorced in 1997 and remarried in March, 2003, having found the love of my life through the internet (Christian Café) – highly recommended! I also “acquired” her two sons, as well as their children and a very loving and compassionate extended family. One stepson lives with his family in Plano, TX (with 3 sons), and the other lives down the street from me (with his wife and daughter) in southeast Orlando. I retired from Valencia in August of 2003, after having moved to my present address in February of that same year.
In 2004, my beautiful wife, Terri, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and fought it bravely for thirty-four months, finally succumbing to the disease in April, 2008. Ironically, she had been very active for over 20 years with the American Cancer Society, having first been the president of the Mahoning County, Ohio Chapter of the ACS, ending her career with them after having risen to the position of National Chair. She also was a recipient of the St. George Medal for outstanding contributions of leadership to the control and eventual eradication of cancer.
Although the Lord gave me only 5 years with Terri, they were years filled with mutual devotion, growth in spiritual wisdom, love and an acute awareness that God had brought us together. Our relatives and friends were as convinced as we that our lives really counted for God. If it had not been for our having reinforced and cemented our love and devotion to God as well as our love and devotion to each other, I most likely would have become exceedingly bitter and very vocal about my anger for His having taken her from me. But I am constrained by the assurance that His perfect plan must have preeminence. He knows what is best. I have a peace and assurance of where Terri is, and that she also was pain-free when she left this world to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 3, 2008.
I fill my spare time several ways: in the company of my daughters and their families, as well as my new “step-sons” and their children; fishing; yard work; photography; genealogy; musical composition; reading; volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity; and travel. I’m an avid reader and ardent student of history, being especially intrigued with the lives of great men of faith. Other subjects are genealogy, biographies and chronicles of great wars.