Rev. Larry L. McCaw

A joint Celebration of Life Service, along with his wife of 65 years, Maxine, who passed away 5 days earlier, will be held Saturday, April 12, at 3 PM, with a time of visitation with the family at 2 PM, at Drexel First Church of God, Drexel, NC, followed by a brief graveside service at Drexel First Church of God Cemetery.

Larry was born July 1, 1936, in St. Louis, MO, and grew up in St. Louis, MO, and Dupo, IL (across the Mississippi river from St. Louis).

Larry earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Anderson College, Anderson, IN, where he met his wife, Laura Maxine Grubbs McCaw (Mackie), and his Master of Ministry at Bethany Nazarene College, Oklahoma City, OK.

Larry was a life-long Pastor (pastored until age 80), and national, regional and state leader in the Church of God, Anderson, IN. During his career he served 3 wonderful congregations: Fourth Avenue Church of God, Lake Charles, LA; Westridge Hills Church of God (now Crossings Community Church), Oklahoma City, OK; and First Church of God, Drexel, NC. In retirement, he served many smaller congregations as an interim Pastor, with a specialty in working through crisis in the church. In addition to serving many regional and statewide leadership positions in all 3 states, he served for many years as Budget Committee Chair for the General Assembly of the Church of God, Anderson, IN, and then on the Board of Trustees of Anderson University, Anderson, IN.

Larry was, of course, dearly loved by his family, but also by the many congregants and friends in the churches and organizations he served. His passions were music, reading, and the study of scripture, having written a number of papers and essays on issues facing the church. He was gifted with a beautiful baritone voice, and sang with a quartet out of the church in which he grew up in St. Louis, then at Anderson College, sang with the Anderson College Quartet, and the men’s choir, “The Contemporaries”. His musical ability was passed naturally and inspired all 3 of his sons. The McCaw family would sing regularly together, harmonizing naturally, from folk tunes while driving in the car on vacations, to singing specials in church.

Larry was preceded, in death, by his wife, Laura Maxine Grubbs McCaw, by 5 short days. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Carl P. McCaw and Margaret Martin McCaw Deal, and his younger brother, Dale P. McCaw, a US Army Veteran. Larry is survived by his 3 sons, Rev. Gregory M. McCaw, Wilmington, NC, Brian K. McCaw, and wife Sheree Williams McCaw, Matthews, NC, and Mark A. McCaw, and wife, Rev. Beth Smith McCaw, Nashville, TN, as well as his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, Shaun McCaw (Fort Mill, SC) and wife, Kaylie, and daughter, Finley; Courtney McCaw (Drexel, NC), and son Elijah; Grace McCaw Wagenman (Nashville, TN), and husband, Jonny, and daughter Emmy Lou, and son, Jack; Lacey McCaw (Lenoir, NC), and fiancé’ Wesley Shoufler; J. C. McCaw (Lompoc, CA), and wife, Katie; and Kari McCaw (Statesville, NC).

Larry will be remembered for his endearing and endless love. He was a strong leader, while having a deeply tender heart, and his courage in showing emotion. A better father could not be found according to his sons.

Larry will be remembered for his endearing welcome and endless love. He was a principled leader with a focus on deepening the faith of others. He was remarkably steady in times of crisis and was fully present with others during their struggles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the J. C. and Ruth Grubbs Memorial Scholarship Fund at Anderson University School of Theology. Go to www.Anderson.edu, click “Give” in the top banner, under “Designation”, click “Other”, then type in “J. C. and Ruth Grubbs ESF”, then fill out the rest of the form. In memory of Rev. Larry McCaw and Maxine Grubbs McCaw.

Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 12, at Drexel First Church of God, 200 Oakland Avenue, Drexel, NC, 28619. 2 PM visitation with the family, 3 PM service, graveside at Drexel First Church of God Cemetery following.