A Game of Golf Was Just the Beginning

Larry and Lavern met by chance during a tournament at MacDill Air Force Base. From that point on, they were inseparable. They married soon after.

As a proud Army veteran, Larry served his country for 26 years as a Green Beret with three tours in Vietnam. Eventually he served at the Pentagon and as a special ops officer at MacDill.

He was hospitalized following a golf game in late November 2019. Larry had a terminal illness he had kept to himself. Lavern said, “he was a strong-willed military man and didn’t want his family to worry about him.”

During his hospital he asked repeatedly to go home. His Suncoast Hospice care team worked with the hospital staff and his family to make this a reality. “They took care of everything,” said Lavern.

For one last time, Larry was able to celebrate Thanksgiving in the comfort of his own home with friends, family and pumpkin pie. Because of the support of Larry’s care team, the family had many reasons to give thanks.

He died December 1 shortly after midnight after saying his goodbyes and surrounded by his family.

The compassionate care of Suncoast Hospice made it possible for Larry to find peace on his terms.

Please help us make a difference in the lives of those in our community, like Larry, receive the care they need, regardless of their ability to pay.

Use the form below to make your gift today. Include a loved ones name in the space below and we will write it on a Memorial Dove that will be displayed at an Empath Health facility or in one of our three Resale Shops throughout the holidays.