Elks pledge "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them." The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes that pledge one step further, and promises service to our nation's veterans and military members, with a special focus on service to those in need.
Thousands of Elks volunteers give generously of their time, energy and resources to serve veterans and military members each day, to ensure that pledge is not an idle one.
Today, our volunteers provide direct service to veterans in more than 330 facilities each month. Through our grants to Elks Lodges, we connect with veterans and military members in their communities, providing them with services where they live. We help veterans rehabilitate and thrive through adaptive sports programs and therapy kits. And our Welcome Home initiative is reaching out to some of our most vulnerable veterans: those who are experiencing homelessness.
Check out our Programs for more information about Elks in action. Or, read our latest Annual Report for details!
Wm. Larry Henley, PSP- GELECTK
September 18, 1941 - June 18, 2022
In Memory of Larry Henley
It is my sad duty to announce the passing of Past State President Wm. Larry Henley. Larry passed away this past weekend. Always a gentleman, Larry was respected by one and all! On behalf of all the Elks of Florida we send out to his wife Pam, sister-in-law Sherry Brown, and all the family, our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Tallahassee Elks Lodge, 276 N. Magnolia Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32301. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Florida State Elks Association Harry-Anna Investment Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 49 Umatilla, FL 32784-0049 or Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937.
Obituary
Wm. Larry Henley, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
Larry was born September 18, 1941 in Fulton, KY. He and his family lived in Fulton, until moving to Thomasville, GA, later moving to Marianna, FL and eventually to Port St. Joe, FL. Larry attended and played football for Port St. Joe High School graduating in 1959. He graduated from Chipola College and attended Florida State University, where he developed his allegiance to FSU football. He was the owner of Meridian Management & Realty, Inc., a real estate management company, which he built into a successful business, from 1969 until his retirement in 2017.
Larry was a member of Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937, having joined in 1969 and was voted an Honorary Life Member in February 1994. He was active on the local, district, state and national levels of the Elks. He served in all positions, including Exalted Ruler in 1977-78. He was the All American Esquire in 1974; Elk of the Year 1978; District Vice President 1981-83; Vice President at Large 1988-89 and was the State President of the Florida State Elks Association in 1989-90, raising a record amount of money for the Harry-Anna Trust Fund. He also served as the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1983-84 and was the Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight 2017-18.
Larry dearly loved his house on the Ochlockonee River and the many weekends he and Pam spent there relaxing and boating. Two travel highlights for Larry and Pam were a trip to Alaska and their mule ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
He enjoyed sailing, FSU football, BBQ/brisket, riding his Harley, southern cooking, and gardening. He was a bee-keeper and a pilot. His travels included numerous trips to Denver and Salt Lake City to visit his daughters and grandchildren, whom he truly cherished.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Pamela Henley; his daughters, Courtney N. Henley, M.D. (Matt Peterson, M.D.) of Salt Lake City, UT and Brandy Henley Radey (Jay Beatty) of Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Magnus Peterson, Viveca Peterson, Piper Radey and Jack Radey; sister-in-law Sherry Brown, brother-in-law Kent LeBlanc and nephews, Jeff Brown, Chris LeBlanc and Chad LeBlanc.
Larry is predeceased in death by his parents Glyn Henley and Francis Thacker Henley; his sister Peggy Henley; his sister-in-law Jennifer LeBlanc, brothers-in-law Ben Brown and Dwight Maston.