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Lawrence W. (Larry) Arrington
10/5/2022
Lawrence W. (Larry) Arrington, of DeLand Florida, passed away Wednesday October 5th, 2022 in Daytona Beach after a brief illness. Larry was born February 21, 1950, in Quincy, Florida, the third of six children, to C. Fred and Anne (Powell) Arrington. Larry was a member of the sixth generation of a prominent and pioneering Florida family. Larry came to DeLand in 1968 to attend Stetson University, where he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science. He was a proud member of the Stetson Alumni community. After graduating in 1973, Larry went to work for Volusia County Government. Following brief stints working for Leon County and running a successful governmental consulting business, Larry was appointed Volusia County Manager in 1995. After five years in that position, he returned to the private sector, doing consulting work for city and county governments throughout Florida. In 2011, he returned to the public sector after being called on to be Director of Strategic Planning for Pinellas County, retiring in 2015. In retirement, he authored several books on the subjects of Florida politics, advocating for the return of civility in the process of democracy, hoping our leaders would learn to prioritize "the greater good" of the citizens they represent in their reasons for seeking positions of public trust. His impact on the art of local government management can still be seen through all of the young men and women he mentored throughout his career, helping them maintain successful lives of public service in management positions throughout Florida and the country. Larry is survived by his wife Dale, of DeLand, and three sons Patrick (Flavia), of Orlando, Jonathan of DeLand, and Travis (Brittany) of Sultan WA. He is also survived by brother the Hon. Claude B. Arrington (Shari), of Havana FL, brother Joe Arrington (Stacy), of Bossier City LA, brother-in-law Joe Johnson of Tallahassee, sister-in-law Lynn Solomon (Sam) of Tallahassee, step sisters Clifton Skipper of Tallahassee, and Susan Mixon of Flowery Branch GA, and aunt Frances Williams of Havana FL as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents C. Fred and Anne (Powell) Arrington, his stepmother Mamie, as well as his sisters Margaret Johnson and Mary Lil May, and brother Marvin. Plans for services will be set at a later date.