Lawrence Porter McCollister. Larry was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 30, 1927 to Dr. F.L. and Grace (Minor) McCollister. He was raised in Ohio, where he excelled in sports. He won the state high school title in the discus throw, the record still stands today. He attended Ohio State University where he participated in track and field. Larry received an athletic scholarship to the University of Miami (Fl.) and graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He was captain of the track team, set records in the discus throw and achieved national ranking. Larry was invited to try out for the 1952 Summer Olympics Track and Field team. An appendectomy kept him from the trials. He was a member of the "M Club" (Honorary athletic fraternity) and Pi Kappa Alpha (social fraternity) at the University of Miami. He also served in the U.S. Navy.
While attending the University of Miami, he met and married the love of his life,
Barbara Manke. Together they raised their daughters; Holly Alexander (Pembroke Pines, Fl.) and Christy (Mrs Kevin) Mattison (Sterling, Ma.). Larry was the solid rock on which his family was grounded. In 1987 he retired from the corporate offices of CITGO Petroleum in Tulsa, Ok. and moved to Vero Beach, Fl. During the thirty two years he was employed by CITGO, the family lived in Fl., Ark., SC,. Pa. and Ok.
Larry was blessed with a natural athletic ability. There was no sport in which he could not participate successfully. His friends can recall many track meets, golf, football and softball games where fellowship was as important as the final score. He was a dependable, reliable man whose friendship was treasured.
Larry is survived by his wife of fifty nine years, his two daughter, two grandsons, (Nate Alexander and Chad Mattison) and two granddaughter (Michelle Alexander and Chelsey Mattison). He was predeceased by his parents and a sister.
He was a member of the Community Church, UCC.
A celebration of his life will be held at Indian River Estates West, Carter Chapel, on April 11, 2015, at 1 P,M.