Larry Corbitt Gaskins

Larry Corbitt Gaskins, a cherished pillar of the community and beloved husband, father and Papa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL. Born on November 14, 1945, in Pearson, GA, Larry was the son of Dave Gaskins and Vitress Corbitt Gaskins. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Janie Ruth O'Brien, and his brother Carl David Gaskins.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife Marguerite, his children Melissa Elvrum (Ben), Michelle Frakes (Steve), Mary Jane Johnson, and Charles Corbitt Gaskins, as well as his adoring grandchildren Anika Elvrum, Stephanie Frakes, Elias Elvrum, Luke Johnson, Savannah Frakes, Simon Elvrum, Julia Johnson, Sydney Frakes, Landon Corbitt Frakes, and Jacquelyn Johnson, as well as, his sister, Latrelle Johnson.

Larry's early years were shaped by the farmlands of South Georgia, where he fondly remembered grinding cane, raising hogs, and harvesting peanuts. Despite growing up without electricity until he was eight, he cherished these formative years and believed they laid the groundwork for his future successes.

After graduating from Atkinson County High School in 1963, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he trained German Shepherd dogs and served as a K-9 handler with distinction during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at Heald Engineering College in San Francisco, supported by the G.I. Bill. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Marguerite Lindberg in 1969. The couple moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1972, where they raised four children with unwavering love and dedication.

Larry's career as an entrepreneur and leader flourished as he founded and served as CEO of L.C. Gaskins Construction Co., with offices in Jacksonville, FL, and Warner Robins, GA. His company was renowned for completing over 500 projects for the Department of Defense at almost every Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy base in the southeastern United States, as well as several private and Homeland Security projects. He received numerous awards for his projects, both public and private, over the years. A significant milestone in his career was a monumental project in Saudi Arabia in 1976-77, where he built a compound for the reclamation of natural gas that provided comprehensive facilities for thousands of workers, a feat that showcased his visionary spirit and dedication. One of his proudest achievements, however, was the construction of St. Joseph's Catholic Church & Cody Enrichment Center, where he was a dedicated parishioner for over 45 years.

Larry was a distinguished leader in the construction industry, serving as the National President of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in 2002 and contributing to the AGC Foundation. He was deeply involved in the AGC's Federal & Heavy Division and Political Action Committee (PAC) and took pride in supporting engineering and construction students from the University of Florida and the University of North Florida with over 160 scholarships annually.

His commitment to community service extended to his church and beyond. Larry was a proud member of The Sovereign Order of Malta, an international organization dedicated to caring for the sick and poor. Invested in 2015 at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, DC, after a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France with his wife and close friends, he embodied the order’s mission of service.

Larry also served as the president of the Bowie Kuhn Legatus chapter of Jacksonville, an international organization of Catholic professionals dedicated to living and spreading the Catholic faith. Additionally, he led the St. Joseph's Men's Club as President and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, an organization committed to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

A profound patriot, Larry loved his country and all it stood for. His time with the Air Force left him with a deep understanding and respect for all those performing military service and fighting for our freedom. He was a charter member of the Republican National Committee and proudly served on President George W. Bush’s economic summit at Baylor University, representing the commercial building industry.

Larry's greatest love, by far, was his family. His deep affection for his wife, children, and grandchildren defined who he was and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. A long list of family and friends were deeply impacted by Larry’s love, influence, and unwavering devotion, and he cherished them all deeply in return.

A visitation for Larry will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223.

Larry’s legacy of integrity, commitment, and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m.