Larry Dwight Claborn passed peacefully and went to be with his heavenly Father on September 18, 2024. He was surrounded by loved ones as he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. Larry lived a life of selfless service to others and a life full of purpose. He will always be remembered as a gentle-spirited, giant of a man with a quiet unassuming manner that drew people to him. Born on April 5, 1934 in Overton, Texas to Clyde and Austice Claborn, Larry moved often as a child before graduating from high school in Troup, Texas in 1952. He earned his undergraduate degree at Abilene Christian University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University,
and his master’s degree at Baylor College of Medicine. Larry worked briefly in a private practice in Conroe, Texas before leaving to follow his true calling to be a professor of veterinary medicine. For forty years, he was a professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Texas A&M University where he dedicated his life to teaching, influenced the lives of countless young students, and retired as Professor Emeritus. He received many distinguished awards at the College and University level including the Association of Former Students Teaching Award, TVMA Faculty Teaching Award, and the Association of Former Students distinguished teaching award. He will be remembered as a caring role model by many of his former students whose lives he impacted. He set high standards for his students and would go above and beyond to help students succeed. Aside from teaching his students, Larry was a deeply-devoted family man who treasured and embraced his role as husband, father, and grandfather. His compassionate nature created a loving home full of faith, kindness, generosity, and wisdom. His commitment to his family and serving others left an unforgettable impact on his community and everyone he met. Larry’s faith guided him throughout his life and as a member of the A&M Church of Christ he served as Deacon and Elder. He was an avid reader, a master woodworker, and considered himself a mediocre fly fisherman and golfer. More than anything, “Papa” or “Uncle Larry” as he was affectionately called, cherished sharing stories and being around the
people he loved.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years Ann Higgins Claborn. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James. He also leaves behind his sister Geraldine Cochran, sister Vicki Parks, his four sons, Matt Claborn (and wife Tara), Brandon Claborn (and wife Lisa), Michael Claborn (and wife Jan), and Neal Claborn (and wife Laura), along with seven grandchildren (Logan, Caleb, Conner, Nathan, Alyssa, Meghan, and Allie).
A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 5 at 2:00pm at Northview Church of Christ located at 2615 Amity Hill Rd, Statesville, NC 28677. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Larry’s honor to Live Beyond at livebeyond.org or Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County at aaps.hoic.org.
