He is the epitome of humble beginnings. He is a gentle giant who has refused to allow adverse circumstances to dictate his life. He loves his family unconditionally. His mother is his entire life. His daughter is his purpose of existence. His sisters are his gatekeepers and crevices in his smile. Larry K. Florence is one of Phenix City, Alabama's hometown favorites. He is a legend in his own right. He has earned everything that has made him the living legend that we all know him to be.
Larry was deemed multifaceted at an early age, having been a freak of nature in various sports, in particularly, football and basketball. Most remember how he packed out local community gymnasiums and played pick-up basketball with grown men as a young middle schooler. He played middle school and junior varsity football as a starting running back and outside linebacker, along with being deemed one of the nation's up-and-coming basketball phenoms. He retired from football as he transitioned to high school and strictly focused on his love for basketball. It was at the legendary Central High School of Phenix City, Alabama, where Larry began his journey to being one of the nation and world's most respected and adored basketball legends. A star was born and continues to fight to live.
Larry completed his impeccable basketball career at Central High School under the tutelage of Head Coach Bobby Wright and went on to be an even bigger star at the University of Nebraska via the intentional recruitment of Head Coach Danny Nee. Larry made history with the numbers he put up. He won the town of Lincoln, Nebraska, over instantly with his kindred spirit and magnetic personality. From there, Larry took his talents on a global journey. He traveled to several countries as a worldwide basketball legend writing his own history. He played alongside some of the greatest players and coaches to ever play and coach in the NBA and other international basketball arenas. His international journey and accomplishments are well-documented and highly respected.
When you think of Larry K. Florence, think of him beyond his athletic prowess. Think of how he makes you feel as a human being whenever he graces your presence. He loves hard and protects those he loves at all costs. He is a guaranteed moment of laughter. He is an enjoyable trip down Memory Lane. He is the resolve to conflict and the reasoning for irrational decisions. His pride never allowed him to seek handouts. His keep has been earned. He is modest in receiving but gives without hesitation. Larry is loved globally. He is way bigger than what any naysayer has attempted to minimize him in being. He is a friend unwavering.
Larry K. Florence has met with a crisis in his life, one that only his extreme faith in God has kept him steadfast in fighting the past 10 years. Multiple Myeloma does not define Larry. He has taken the horrors of it by the horns and made such a fierce disease realize that God is real and Larry's faith is relentless. The roads have been rough at times. The weather has been inclement for extended periods of time along his battle, but Larry refuses to allow such eras to break his spirits and will to live. He is grateful for and humbled by every element and entity of support along the way. If he had a thousand tongues, he couldn't thank you enough.
Thank you for loving Larry K. Florence unconditionally and unwavering. You are a vital part of his existence. Your thoughts, prayers, listening ears, calls, texts, emails, social media support, financial contributions, and advocating for his victory against Multiple Myeloma, are all collective components of why Larry continues to fight and live. Stay the course! His fight is ours. Thank you for being 'Team Larry', aka 'LFlo'! Let's continue to win this game of life. Larry loves you. God is able. Thank you!
Written by,
Hovet Lee Dixon, Jr.