Obituary of Larry Robert McCravy

Larry Robert McCravy, an indisputable ALS warrior who defied the odds of his disease several times over, died at his James Island home on Jan. 21, 2020, with his loving wife and caregiver, Debbie, at his bedside. He was 66.

Larry was born on July 3, 1953, in Birmingham, Ala., to Lloyd Cleveland McCravy and Flora McCravy. He attended Ensley High School and met Debbie on a blind date, after she picked his photo from a friend’s high school annual. The pair married on Dec. 7, 1974, and despite enduring unthinkable hardships during their 45 years of marriage, remained as smitten and devoted as the two teenagers who fell in love in the ‘70s. 

Larry attended Jefferson State College and began his career at New York Life Insurance, the job that brought the McCravys from Alabama to their home in Charleston. After 15 years in insurance, Larry switched courses and became a foreman for Mead Tree Service for the next 15 years, where he enjoyed breathing fresh air and observing wildlife as part of his daily routine.

Larry held a special bond with his daughter, Leslie Leigh McCravy, with whom he enjoyed fishing, boating and meeting for lunch. Leslie’s untimely death in 2007 at age 25 led Larry and Debbie to advocate for not only victims of domestic violence but for the bereaved families left behind. With the help of Leslie’s friends, the McCravys also raised thousands of dollars over 10 years for Pet Helpers through the Leslie McCravy Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Folly Beach. 

Larry was diagnosed with ALS while working as a property manager on Kiawah Island. He continued his job until he had to slow down and then stayed busy at home, caring for his dogs, Gidget and Lele, and driving Debbie to work each day. When he could no longer do that, Larry often sent flowers to Debbie’s desk and sweet emails throughout the day, while connecting online with other ALS patients and their loved ones—learning, sharing, supporting. Larry refused to surrender to his disease and spent the 12 years following his diagnosis participating in every research and treatment opportunity presented to him in hopes of not only extending his own life but improving the lives of other, future ALS patients.  

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, as well as his brother, Billy McCravy. He will reunite in heaven with his late sisters, Katie and Margie McCravy; his late brother, Phillip McCravy; and, of course, his dearest Leslie—who undoubtedly will greet her daddy at the gates. 

A celebration of life is set for Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Chapel, 181 Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C., 29425.

In lieu of flowers, Larry’s family welcomes donations in his honor to the MUSC ALS Clinic, c/o MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, Charleston, S.C., 29425; Team Gleason Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, La., 70184; or Alexa R. Good ALS Foundation, P.O. Box 12248, Rock Hill, S.C., 29731.