Lt. Larry Lynn Graham's Obituary
Lt. Larry Lynn “Lars” Graham, beloved husband and lifelong love of Sharon Lee Small Graham for over 52 years, was called into the embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 13, 2025, just a few days after celebrating his 75th birthday.
Larry was born on November 6, 1950, in Washington, Indiana, to his parents, Herbert Neff and Helen Naomi Williamson Graham. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, until he was 8, then in Wabash, Indiana, with his three siblings, David Graham (1939-2011), Sharon Carter (now of Ocala, FL), and Bertha “Berti” Huffschmidt (now of LaFontaine, IN). He shared many stories of his childhood, being the youngest of his siblings by seven years.
Larry attended Wabash High School where he was the pitcher on the baseball team and played the tuba in the marching band. Following graduation, he attended Florida State University (FSU) where he obtained a degree of Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. While attending college, he worked as a late-night radio announcer on the WFSU radio station, where he played mostly classic rock and rock ‘n roll music. This era of classic rock music was one of his passions throughout his life!
Larry was one of the eight original members of the FSU Christian Campus House. His love for Jesus has always been his guiding force and source of joy. Larry met Sharon at the Campus House in 1971, and he passed this fervor on to her. They fell in love and were married on March 31, 1973, in Tallahassee.
Larry’s greatest delight was always in his family. They have four wonderful children who have all married wonderful spouses, giving them 11 awesome and cherished grandchildren. His daughters are Amber Chelsea Hernandez (Julian) with Josiah and Arianna; Heather Elizabeth Mudd (Keith) with Colin, Sadie, Fiona, and Finley; and Erin Paige Rhodes (Jeremy) with Elijah and Miles. Their son Duncan Stuart Graham (Adriana) has Mathis, Lyonel, and Eden.
Larry joined the US Navy in 1975, and served on four ships, including the USS Ponchatula, the USS Saratoga, the USS Nimitz, and the USS Kitty Hawk. He was a Supply Officer, responsible for the payroll and finances of the ships. As such, his books were cited as the best in the Atlantic Fleet. Upon obtaining the rank of Lieutenant and completing nearly 13 years of service in the Navy, Larry and Sharon moved their family back to Tallahassee, where they have lived for over 34 years. He worked for nearly 10 years for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Graham family were members of the First Christian Church of Tallahassee where he served as an elder for many years.
Larry was “Sweetie” and “Lars” to his loving wife, "Dad" to his kids, "Papa" to his grands, “Rusty” when he was younger, and “Gandalf“ to his old friends. Lars was an iconic, one-of-a-kind man. With his ruddy complexion, his beautiful red hair that grew into a “fro”, his gorgeous blue eyes, that he gave to all of his kids and most of his grands, and the great smile he nearly always had on his face, people seemed drawn to him. He was known for his intellect and knowledge of just about any topic. Lars was an avid reader and enjoyed playing golf. Watching his Seminoles play most any sport was his favorite pastime.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother David. Larry’s cherished and beloved wife, Sharon, his children and their spouses and eleven grandchildren, his two sisters, and many other family members and friends will miss him dearly. But they are all confident of his being in his forever home in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 12th, 2025, Four Oaks Church Midtown, 526 E. 8th Avenue, Tallahassee, FL. A graveside service at the Tallahassee National Cemetery will be held at 12:00 PM.
To honor the memory of Larry, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Down Syndrome Foundation of Tallahassee. 2910 Kerry Forest Parkway, Suite D4-212, Tallahassee, FL 32309.
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