Lawrence G. Gifford, Sr

Lawrence G. Gifford, Sr broke his earthly chains Sept. 12, 2021.  He is re-united with the love of his life, Joyce Gifford.  He was 98 years old. 

Service Information: At Larry’s request, there will not be services; however, memorials can be made to Meals on Wheels or a charity of choice.

Larry was born in June, 1923 on a farm outside of Paris, TX.  He was the oldest of five children. His parents were Matthew and Beatrice (Barlow) Gifford.  The family moved to Waco, TX, and Larry graduated from Waco High School.  Larry served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. After the war, he returned to Waco and married Joyce Edwards. They had four children. 

Larry and Joyce followed a dream after their youngest child graduated high school and they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  They lived there until their retirement in 1992. 

Larry was involved in many activities after retirement, including Citizens on Patrol and Meals on Wheels. A family friend put it best. “In retirement, Mr. Gifford spent years as a WISD crossing guard, an example and a metaphor for the hundreds, if not thousands of unassuming folks who quietly and diligently stand at the edges of our byways and systems, ensuring the safety and well-being of others…You didn’t have to know Larry to be thankful for him today, nor to thank his family for sharing him with all of us.”  He loved the children he saw every day and only recently retired, at the age of 94.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers and his beloved wife of 63 years, Joycie.  He is survived by his children; Grayson and wife Marilyn, Trish, Jayne and Emily, his four granddaughters, Morgan, Sarah, Alayne and Felice; his sister Shirley and sister-in-law Susie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. They were all his favorites.