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Obituary For Larry K. "Mikey" Florence
Phenix City, Alabama – Mr. Larry Kurlaireski’ Florence, affectionately known as “Coach L Flo,” passed away peacefully at the age of 49 on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Piedmont Midtown Regional Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, surrounded by his devoted family.
The Florence Family will host a family hour on Friday, July 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m .EST at Taylor Funeral Home. Public viewing is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church, 4078 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907, where Pastor Derrick Shields serves as Senior Pastor. Pastor James Allen of Macedonia Christian Church will deliver the eulogy. Larry will be laid to rest at Green Acres Cemetery.
Born on September 29, 1975, in Columbus, Georgia, Larry was the beloved son of the late Mr. Larry James Florence and the late Mrs. Bessie Kate Rutledge Florence. Raised on the Back Road in South Phenix City, Alabama, Larry graduated from Central High School in the Class of 1995. Known to many as “Mikey” during his youth, he was rarely seen without a ball in hand and a joyful spirit. His athletic excellence earned him recognition as a McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi All-American. By his senior year, Larry received 44 college scholarship offers before choosing to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This “Cornhusker for Life” graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, concentrating in Family Science.
Larry’s athletic career took him across the globe, playing professional basketball in Finland, Greece, Ireland, and throughout South America. Upon returning to the U.S., he transitioned into education, serving with Phenix City Board of Education as a CARE Instructor at South Girard School and later working with students with severe and profound disabilities at Phenix City Intermediate School until his medical retirement in 2014, following a Multiple Myeloma Cancer diagnosis at the age of 37.
A passionate coach and mentor, Coach Flo dedicated his life to developing young people. He coached at South Girard, Central High, and Northside High Schools. He was the visionary behind the Larry K. Florence Youth Basketball Camp and the Flo 44 Foundation—initiatives rooted in love, leadership, and hope. His impact also reached far beyond school walls through his work with Elite Sunz AAU, SaMarc Foundation Basketball Camp, and Mike Jones’ Basketball Camp.
One of the greatest honors of his journey came in 2024, when Larry was inducted into the Central High School Sports Hall of Fame, becoming the first basketball player in the school’s history to receive that distinction. It was a moment that epitomized the dedication, excellence, and resilience he embodied throughout his life.
In recent years, Larry became a beacon of hope as a social media influencer, bravely chronicling his cancer journey with faith and authenticity. His motto, “Faith over fear,” became a rallying cry for thousands who followed his story.
"I may have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me." – Coach Flo
"My purpose is greater than my pain." – Coach Flo
"I don’t coach for the wins. I coach for the impact." – Coach Flo
“Everyone wasn’t born with talent; but with hard work, dedication, and proper training, you can be a successful athlete.” – Coach Flo
Larry was a devoted son, a loyal friend, and a tireless community advocate. Though he has left this earth, his legacy remains deeply rooted in the lives he touched—with his words, his work, and his unwavering spirit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Larry James Florence and Mrs. Bessie Kate Rutledge Florence.
Coach Flo’s legacy is lovingly carried on by his beautiful daughter, Alexandra Kathleen Florence-Oyarzun; his devoted sisters, Harveta J. Florence, Jasponica G. Florence, and Katshalliam E. Gosha, all of Phenix City, AL, and Lauren A. Florence of Atlanta, GA; his admiring namesake nephew, Kobe Kurlaireski’ Kimber of Phenix City, AL; his beloved namesake niece, Elle Gracyn Johnson of Phenix City, AL; four additional sincere nieces: Jerrosadia K. Florence, Katelyn A. Kimber, and Brookelyn J. Kimber, all of Phenix City, AL, and Verchrisia L. Florence of Columbus, GA; three devoted aunts, Teresa R. (Norman) Lattimore of Cataula, GA, and Carolyn Davis and Shirley Jones Harris, both of Columbus, GA; one adopted uncle, Jack Alexander of Lima, OH; along with numerous cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles, and a championship team of former players, fellow coaches, classmates, and friends.
Though his time on earth was brief, the impact of Coach Flo’s life is eternal. His voice, vision, and values will continue to echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Christie Garner sent Red and White Handled Basket for Larry K. "Mikey" Florence - July 15, 2025
My prayers and condolences goes out to the family.
Condolences to the family, met Larry Florence several times such a mannered young man kind and considered about people. Blessing to his family.
Sending love, light and prayers to the family and friends of such an inspiring, encouraging person. May the memories and his legacy remind you of just how special he was!
Condolence to the Florence Family.
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My deepest condolences to the family at this time. I love you all and I'm going to miss you my friend. Love forever, Whit❤️
In Life, you left it All On the Court that created A Trail of Legacy. Rest In Christ.
Sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother Larry. He is and will always be bigger than this world! Prayers for everyone who loved this incredible man!
My deepest condolences!
I was deeply saddened about the passing of Larry. Please accept my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. May you all find comfort in the love that surrounds you and strength in the memories you hold dear. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With sympathy, Donna Crowell
Sending our deepest condolences & prayers
We are heartbroken to hear of our dear friend Larry's passing. We were privileged to meet him & his amazing family while he played basketball in Nebraska. Larry became our extended family and we cherished the friendship we had and he treated our children like their uncle. We will forever hold onto those wonderful God-given memories and thank the Good Lord for carrying him home and removing all his pain. Your are in our hearts forever Larry, our friend!
Coach Flo always told me to remember why i started , and always told me as long as i put my trust in the man upstairs, and in myself, in due time everything would come together how its supposed to. Get your rest coach. Prayers to the family.
Rip Coach Florence Prayers for the Florence and Ruthledge Family.
My deepest condolences to the loved ones of Larry. He was a gentle giant and truly a remarkable human being. If the tributes are a testament to the caliber of person he was, rest assured that he is loved and will be greatly missed. His courage and dedication are the example that so many of us aspire to be. Well done Mikey.
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May God be a comforter blessings to you all SIP.....
My prayers and condolences to The Florence Family. May God give you the Peace that surpasses all our understanding. 🙏🏽
Family, you have my sincerest condolences 💐
You were a great inspiration on and off the court! You shared your journey with us. It was great knowing you and seeing you at our last Husker Basketball reunion. It's hard to believe you are no longer with us physically but will always be in our minds and hearts. Much love brother. My condolences to the family and friends! What a great man he was.
My prayers, condolences, love and thoughts are with the family of Larry and all who were blessed to know him or know of him. His love and legacy is immortal. He will forever be loved on both sides of Heaven. -Stephanie Banner
Deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP Coach Flo 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Sending prayers of comfort and peace doing this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences and continuous prayers for you all! May you find strength in each other, comfort & understanding through God! My prayers are with you! His life & battle is an inspiration!
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It's hard to know what to say. Larry touched so many lives. His legacy wil live on forever! Rest on my friend! Praying for family and friends!
"I'm sending you prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Please know that We are thinking of you. May you find strength and peace in your faith during this challenging time. My prayers are with you. Love Nae
Sending prayers of comfort and peace during this difficult time. May God's love to continue to guide you and provide you with strength in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends, community, teammates, and players mourning the loss of such a beautiful, humble soul and a giant of a personality. May God comfort and sustain you now, and in the days, months, and years to come, as we honor and carry forward Larry's legacy, ministry, and vision.
My prayers and thoughts as well as my condolences 💐 for the families and friends of Larry. Larry your Legacy will live on forever. You truly have fought a good fight. REST now from your labor, you will Never be forgotten.
Word's can say a lot BUT memories will forever linger 🕊️. May GOD continue to Comfort your Family 💞. Faythanial Holsey Jackson and Family 💕
I am praying for the family of Mr. Florence. I met a beautiful soul at PCIS that will be truly missed. Sometimes he would sit in the front of the school waiting on the students to get on the bus to go home and talk. During those hours we would talk about our diets and I would tell him about different herbal teas. May Mr. Florence rest in peace
Prayers from Moss Point, Mississippi
I was blessed to know Flo since the 1990s. Very humble and extremely talented, Flo was a very special person. I developed a friendship with him that was solid; whenever we connected, we picked up where we left off. I am so saddened that he's no longer here, but he's in a better place. No more pain, struggling nor strife. My guy has received his crown, and his presence lives on through those of us who were blessed to have him in our lives, even if only for a while. My condolences and love to his family, and my prayers are continuously going up for you.
Fly High Cuzz 🕊️🕊️❤️
My Condolences to the Florence Family... I met Larry at the Heap Cheap store he would always get a 'Black n Mild' and he would start up a conversation and he would walk into the store his smile would light up the room he was a wonderful person with a big beautiful heart...Larry you can now rest you have won the battle you have gained your wings fly high my friend until we meet again.. Love Pamela Blizzard
Fly High my friend🫶🏽 Flo-Ever 🤞🏾
The storm is over! Godspeed!! Job well done! Get your rest now! Sincerest condolences to your family 🙏🏾
My sincere and deepest condolences to the family during this time of bereavement Love you all ❤️ 🙏🏾
My deepest condolences and prayers for his family and friends, a gentle soul gone to soon, no more pain, get the rest on Larry
You were such a wonderful person, a great inspiration to us all, may you continue to take your rest.💐🕊
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Praying for the Family in this time or sorrow.
To the Flo Family, I know Larry made it in and has his wings. He was a fellow servant of God. Threw his fight, he remained to stay positive and was motivated to fight a good fight of faith. He encouraged many and cared for making a difference and giving back to the young youths by coaching and training them to be the best that they could be and to never give up. I will defiantly miss his sweet, calm and cool spirited personality. "Rest well and no pain nor sorrow where you are." "Continue to coach us on from Heaven, until we meet again."
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Larry will be truly missed by many. He was such a positive role model to many in so many different ways. You fought a good long hard fought "TAKE YOUR REST"....job well done!! Praying for comfort to the family and all of those that knew and loved him.
To Flo's family...This battle is done and Larry has won the war as he was in the army of the Lord. There will be hard days; even bad days. Just know that Larry has an eternal hug around each of you!! Such a special man to many in our community. Nothing but love.
Praying for the Florence Family.God will give you all the strength you need.Weeping endure, for nights but joy comes in the mornings. (Memories) last forever.
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Condolences and prayers for the family at this time..He fought a good fight and now resting in GOD'S ARMS!!
My condolences goes out to the family of the amazing son Larry I remember him from Central High School best player will miss him to RIP
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences in the loss of you beloved. Continued prayers of comfort and peace. Shavon Williams
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy as you remember Larry. May the God of peace hold you close to him during this difficult time.
Uncle Mickey you will be truly missed thanks for the encouragement and talks we had. Praying for the family❤️❤️
Faithful Servant Job Well Done. Condolences to the Florence's Family
My sincere condolences to the Florence family. May God continue to comfort you all.
Rest in power Larry. Continued prayers for strength for the family. Marsha (Preer) Hunter
Ring the bell my friend. You won the battle.
My deepest and sincere condolences to the family. RIP Larry 🙏🏽💔
Praying for the family
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Larry. From my family to yours, we are holding you close in prayer and sending love during this difficult time. May Larry's memory be a blessing, and may you find comfort in the love that surrounds you. With sympathy, Seneik & Family
My Sincere Condolences goes out for The Family 🙏🏿. Word's can't explain how I feel. A young Legend has earned his wings. Memories will forever be cherished. Love You All ❤️. Stay strong and keep Larry memories alive 🙏🏿💞. Fay Holsey (as you all know me ☺️) and son's ❤️❤️❤️
Send prayers to the family.
My classmate will truly be miss u fought a good battle my condolences goes out to the family
Freeda and The Florence Family's my deepest sympathy and comfort go out to family love Garrie Simmons
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the family. ❤️🙏Bonnie Griggs and Family
Sending my condolences in prayers to the family in he forever be in our hearts
My Condolences to the family I Loved me some CoachFlo!! No matter what or when you saw him he always had a smile on his face!! Going to miss u my friend!!
Farewell My Friends: Farewell, farewell, my friends! I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears for me, For I need them not. All I need is your smile. If you feel sad, Do think of me. For that's what I'll like. When you live in the hearts Of those you love, Remember then, You never die.
Looks to the hills from which cometh all our help, knowing that all our help comes from the Lord.
Prayers for the family
My condolences to the Florence Family! Much love from the Flute Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
