Loving Husband, Father and Son.

With family and friends surrounding him, Larry ran a good race and peacefully joined the Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the age of 74. Larry was a lifelong resident of Pensacola, FL born March 29, 1946 at the Old Sacred Heart Hospital and grew up in the Lakewood subdivision of the Warrington area of Pensacola.

He was a graduate of Escambia High Rebels Class of 1965. Larry served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Long Beach Nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser 1965-1967 as a boatswain mate.   Larry provided a good family life of great joy and security. He dedicated many years helping disaster victims while working for FEMA as an Insurance Specialist with NFIP and was a former owner/agent at Fordham Insurance group and retired at 40 years.

Larry was the Co-Founder of Youth Awareness a youth Delinquency Prevention Program. Together Larry and Diana were 'Cottage Parent's' at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch where they guided young boys to become productive and responsible adults. He had a heart like David to face his giants with confidence and he poured his faith, hope and trust in loving the Lord. He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church and reverently served as a Reader.

He was the Charter President of the U.S. Cantonment Jaycees and a former member of the Krewe of Lafitte. He enjoyed golfing, boating, and camping especially building campfires. He smiled the most when he danced with his bride and only hollered when he watched Alabama football, Roll Tide!

Larry is preceded in death by his father, James Elmer Fordham, Sr.; his mother, Marie Leth Fordham and his brother, James Elmer Fordham, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years; always referred to as his bride, Diana Cotita Fordham of Pensacola, FL; his son, Larry Edwin Fordham, Jr. who he loved "A whole world full" of Everglades, FL; sister, Pamela Fordham Smith of Springfield, OH and the many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, he loved dearly.

An excerpt from a letter written by his son Eddie, "For soon we shall all someday follow you to see Christ in the Light of our Eternal Home." With joy in your heart and arms opened wide, step boldly into His merciful love and hear the Lord say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the funeral mass begins at 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, Father Pat Foley presiding. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Active Pallbearers will be George Hess, Marty Marini, Michael Hunnicutt, Joe Sloan, Wayne Berggren and Russell Fordham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Opening Doors Northwest Florida, 1020 North New Warrington Road, Pensacola, Florida 32506, www.openingdoorsnwfl.org or Florida Patriot Guard, 3058 Monterrey Road, Crestview, FL 32539.

Special Thanks to: Visiting Angels and the staff of Covenant Hospice Care.