Larry Dwight Claborn
April 5, 1934 -
September 18, 2024

Visitation

Service 

October 5, 2024
2:00 PM

Interment

Obituary

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.

Video Services

7 Comments

  1. Shirley Nix

    Larry and I were friends in Conroe, TX when we were just starting our careers. In 1963, I went to Europe on a two month tour from UT. We sailed from Montreal to Liverpool. Larry gave me some motion sickness pills that he used when transporting large animals—it worked when we hit rough seas! In Germany, I purchased a wood carving of a Vet with arm inserted in the cow’s rear and the hand came out her mouth. I mailed that home to Larry. The last time that I saw Larry and met Ann, was in the Washington-on-the-Brazos park one spring day. A long-time boyfriend, another couple, and I ran into Larry, Ann, and the Aggie football coach and his wife. I knew that Larry would be a great husband and father! A friend from those days in Montgomery County discovered Larry’s obituary and notified me. My condolences to Ann and the loving family they created. I will always smile when I think of Larry Clayborn.

    Reply
  2. Larry Mark Haugland, DVM

    Ann and sons
    What can I say about Larry that previous comments haven’t said. Without doubt he was a pillar and major influencer in my life. I guess I will reminisce.
    My first exposure to monkey bread that Ann always fed me as a student. The laborious joke Larry always told about the man whose suit coat fit so well. Teaching Neal in Sunday school. Learning wood working from Larry and looking across the table at him when being interviewed for veterinary school.
    The impact the Claborn family has had on my life is immeasurable.
    I am so proud to have known him and more proud to have been named after him.

    Reply
  3. Agnes Marie Campbell Barnes .

    Ann , has been years since l have seen you , My heart hurts for you during this time of grief . You will be in my thoughts and prayers . You were nearer my sister Gene’s age. We did attend Washington Street Church of Christ together, many years ago .

    Reply
  4. Robert Payne

    So very sorry to hear… Ann, know that you, and all the family are in our prayers.
    Larry was an exceptional man.
    I have let Cathy and our Cousin Jessie know.
    Cousin Robert, Chattanooga, TN

    Reply
  5. Rose Philips

    Ann, Brandon, Matt, Michael, & Neal,
    I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. he was such a gentle soul. In the last 20 years since y’all have been with our office you and Larry have felt more like family then client’s and I have so missed seeing your smiling faces and hearing your cheery voices since you moved to NC. You will all be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Sending Heavenly hugs to Larry. My sincere condolences, Rose Philips College Station, TX

    Reply
  6. Suellen Phillips

    Dear Ann:
    I was sad to see Larry’s obituary. Thinking of how kind, wise and loving he was brought back some happy times we shared-cruising, sightseeing in DC, meals together, visits in Phil’s home and your home in College Station. I remember attending a Sunday School class he was teaching at CS. He was such a great teacher. I remember his smile. Mostly I remember that if you knew him you knew he cared about you. What a gift and blessing to know Larry.

    I will be thinking and praying for you and the boys during this time of grief and adjustment. I can’t come to the service but hope it is on the internet to view. Please let us know.

    Reply
  7. Bill Yates

    Nancy and I are so saddened to learn about Larry’s passing and our love and prayers go out to Ann and family. We definitely know that Larry is now at home with the Lord and was a faithful servant as evidenced by his life! I have so many great memories as Larry has had such a great impact on my life for so many years. They began from when I first arrived at Texas A&M my sophomore year following transfer from ACU. Larry became a career mentor and more importantly an example of a Christian servant with a tremendous Bible foundation that I knew could provide Godly wisdom throughout my career. He was an exceptional educator and was instrumental in directing me to become a part of the leadership team as well as educator in the formation of Harding University’s College of Pharmacy. Larry’s positive attitude and smile was contagious for everyone he was in contact. I could never express enough about Larry’s professionalism and servant heart towards all. Our children always referred to him like others as Uncle Larry. He will always be in our hearts as a gentle, loving and kind Christian man. May God continue to bless Ann and family and provide loving memories that brings a peace that passes understanding.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Memories

7 Comments

  1. Shirley Nix

    Larry and I were friends in Conroe, TX when we were just starting our careers. In 1963, I went to Europe on a two month tour from UT. We sailed from Montreal to Liverpool. Larry gave me some motion sickness pills that he used when transporting large animals—it worked when we hit rough seas! In Germany, I purchased a wood carving of a Vet with arm inserted in the cow’s rear and the hand came out her mouth. I mailed that home to Larry. The last time that I saw Larry and met Ann, was in the Washington-on-the-Brazos park one spring day. A long-time boyfriend, another couple, and I ran into Larry, Ann, and the Aggie football coach and his wife. I knew that Larry would be a great husband and father! A friend from those days in Montgomery County discovered Larry’s obituary and notified me. My condolences to Ann and the loving family they created. I will always smile when I think of Larry Clayborn.

    Reply
  2. Larry Mark Haugland, DVM

    Ann and sons
    What can I say about Larry that previous comments haven’t said. Without doubt he was a pillar and major influencer in my life. I guess I will reminisce.
    My first exposure to monkey bread that Ann always fed me as a student. The laborious joke Larry always told about the man whose suit coat fit so well. Teaching Neal in Sunday school. Learning wood working from Larry and looking across the table at him when being interviewed for veterinary school.
    The impact the Claborn family has had on my life is immeasurable.
    I am so proud to have known him and more proud to have been named after him.

    Reply
  3. Agnes Marie Campbell Barnes .

    Ann , has been years since l have seen you , My heart hurts for you during this time of grief . You will be in my thoughts and prayers . You were nearer my sister Gene’s age. We did attend Washington Street Church of Christ together, many years ago .

    Reply
  4. Robert Payne

    So very sorry to hear… Ann, know that you, and all the family are in our prayers.
    Larry was an exceptional man.
    I have let Cathy and our Cousin Jessie know.
    Cousin Robert, Chattanooga, TN

    Reply
  5. Rose Philips

    Ann, Brandon, Matt, Michael, & Neal,
    I am so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. he was such a gentle soul. In the last 20 years since y’all have been with our office you and Larry have felt more like family then client’s and I have so missed seeing your smiling faces and hearing your cheery voices since you moved to NC. You will all be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Sending Heavenly hugs to Larry. My sincere condolences, Rose Philips College Station, TX

    Reply
  6. Suellen Phillips

    Dear Ann:
    I was sad to see Larry’s obituary. Thinking of how kind, wise and loving he was brought back some happy times we shared-cruising, sightseeing in DC, meals together, visits in Phil’s home and your home in College Station. I remember attending a Sunday School class he was teaching at CS. He was such a great teacher. I remember his smile. Mostly I remember that if you knew him you knew he cared about you. What a gift and blessing to know Larry.

    I will be thinking and praying for you and the boys during this time of grief and adjustment. I can’t come to the service but hope it is on the internet to view. Please let us know.

    Reply
  7. Bill Yates

    Nancy and I are so saddened to learn about Larry’s passing and our love and prayers go out to Ann and family. We definitely know that Larry is now at home with the Lord and was a faithful servant as evidenced by his life! I have so many great memories as Larry has had such a great impact on my life for so many years. They began from when I first arrived at Texas A&M my sophomore year following transfer from ACU. Larry became a career mentor and more importantly an example of a Christian servant with a tremendous Bible foundation that I knew could provide Godly wisdom throughout my career. He was an exceptional educator and was instrumental in directing me to become a part of the leadership team as well as educator in the formation of Harding University’s College of Pharmacy. Larry’s positive attitude and smile was contagious for everyone he was in contact. I could never express enough about Larry’s professionalism and servant heart towards all. Our children always referred to him like others as Uncle Larry. He will always be in our hearts as a gentle, loving and kind Christian man. May God continue to bless Ann and family and provide loving memories that brings a peace that passes understanding.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This