Larry James Acord's Obituary
Larry James Acord, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 12th, 2018 in The Villages, Florida at the age of 71. He was with family and surrounded by love.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on January 19th, 2018 at Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral Home at 226 East Burleigh Blvd., Tavares. Per his wishes a private family gathering will be held later that day.
Larry was born in Naoma, West Virginia to George and Elizabeth Acord on October 17th, 1946. He was the middle child to his older brother George Jr. and younger brother Walter. His father served in the U.S. Army, thus their family moved several times. His fondest childhood memories are of his time in Orleans, France. His first marriage was to Barbara Binnicker from which his only child was born, Elizabeth, named after his mother. Later in life he married Hope Chapman on October 16th, 1997. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was dedicated to God, his family, and his country.
To anyone who knew him, Larry was larger than life itself. He was a highly skilled and passionate individual who applied intense focus in whatever he did. His big personality filled a room, sometimes commanding and forceful, lightened by wit and humor. He was a lover of life who had strong values, many derived from his love of the gospel and God’s grace. He was an amazingly strong man with a tender heart. He chose to see the potential in individuals, to invest into them and help them. He was a mentor to many.
Larry pushed himself and life to its limits. His accomplishments were many including ultralight high performance glider pilot, single engine pilot, free diver and sink hole diver, sharp shooter, self taught at computer programming, classical and bass guitar, painting and stained glass.
Larry’s hobbies were also numerous as he enjoyed keeping his mind active. He loved the outdoors and regularly took pleasure in camping, boating, fishing, and tending to his gardens. His indoor activities included flight simulators, model building, and restoring of various items. He was an avid traveler and travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.
He was a smart and innovative business man who enjoyed the challenge of creating something from nothing. He took great pride in founding and building a company and software product that he later in life turned over to his daughter and son-in-law, Bryan Griffin whom he had trained and groomed to take over the family business. His legacy is a strong foundation for them and the families that are supported by it.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth, and his sister in law, Barbara. He often looked forward to his reunion with them in heaven upon his passing.
Larry is survived by his first wife, Barbara Acord and second wife, Hope Acord, his daughter, Elizabeth Griffin, and son-in-law, Bryan Griffin, his two brothers, George Jr. and Walter, and his grandchildren Alexander, Amber, and Brooke Griffin. He will be dearly missed.
The family of Larry wishes to extend our sincere thanks to The Villages Hospice for their tender care and to the Sunlake community for their unending support.
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