FRANCIS LAWRENCE ALSOBROOK's Obituary
Francis Lawrence Alsobrook, 92, with family by his bedside at home, went peacefully to be with the Lord on May 5th, 2016. Born in the heart of Miami, to Larry and “Monie” on November 21, 1923, “Sonny” grew up in the wilds of South Florida, constantly outdoors hunting and fishing in this “tropical paradise.”
His father died when Larry was six, so he was raised in a house with his mother, aunts, and three sisters – Dian, Elizabeth, and Ginny. Always escaping to the outside, he experienced the joys of the beauty of his environment.
Dad had a wonderful high school life being a Red Raider at Edison. He played football and built his own boat in shop class. He graduated in 1941, and after spending a summer in the Keys, he enlisted in the U.S. Marines to serve in WWII. Larry became a Radio Gunner in a B-25 for Squadron 413, flying over thirty missions in the Pacific. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
After the war, he returned and attended the University of Miami, graduating in 1949. Always enjoying life, Dad was a member of SAE, where he was instrumental in the building of the Fraternity House, and remained a life-long benefactor.
He had fun dancing and socializing and, at one event, was introduced to the love of his life, Nancy Gramley. It was a game-changer, and Dad was an extremely devoted husband until she passed away in 2004. They had three children – Gay, Larry, and Dorie – which they raised in a loving Christian home.
Larry was an excellent provider. As a Commercial Real Estate Broker for over sixty years, Larry was appreciated for his integrity and perseverance. He also developed rental properties in Perrine. For his recreation, Sonny was renown for his fishing exploits, both in the Gulf Stream and in Florida Bay. He gave many friends fresh cleaned fish and had wonderful fish-frys for his Potluck Club. He also grew great homegrown tomatoes, which he gave to friends.
The most important mission in Larry’s life was to proclaim Jesus as his Savior and to witness to everyone he met, of the importance of being a Christian. He was a steadfast Gideon and supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He contributed generously and always gave encouragement.
Larry was passionate about football and especially enjoyed games at the Orange Bowl. Anticipating the demise of the Bowl, he felt it was imperative for the University of Miami to build an on-campus stadium. For over forty years, Larry promoted the “Ibis Roost” as a true benefit to the University and community. It was his lifelong dream to keep the U of M a perennial powerhouse with wonderful game day activities for the home fans.
Larry’s final endeavor was to help Dorie honor Nancy by helping develop “Nancy’s Italian Ice” in Montgomery, Alabama. Opening in 2010, “Nancy’s” has received many accolades and has been a very successful community business. Sonny always loved to stay busy, and never gave up the idea of franchising and expanding.
All his life, Larry was constantly active, never an idle moment. He traveled the world with Nancy, took bus tours with friends, and visited family throughout the country. He enjoyed playing tennis and spending time at the Riviera Country Club. In his eighties, Sonny made twenty-one skydiving jumps. He loved to say, “I’ll never stop ‘til I get to the top; tell me why I’m shooting high.”
Along with his children, he has 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on May 21, at 3:00pm, at the First Presbyterian Church, 609 Brickell Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gideons International, FCA, or to the U of M Stadium Fund.
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