Larry McLure

Larry G. McLure, 82, passed away surrounded by friends and family on August 15, 2025.

Larry was born in Inglewood, California on December 7, 1942. He grew up in Phenix City, AL and graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1960 in Columbus, GA, He also graduated from the University of Georgia with Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education, and worked on school administration and music supervision programs. He decided to stay in the teaching field where music is his passion. His career consisted of five years at Clarke Junior High and twenty-five years at Cedar Shoals.

Larry had an adoration for music, and this love defined his entire professional career. He was a founding faculty member at Cedar Shoals High School, where he served as Band Director and Fine Arts Department Chairman for 25 years. In the spring of 1971, Larry was part of the meeting to decide the name of the school and the mascot. He was honored to choose the school colors, the fight song music and lyrics.

Larry was passionate about his career and lived to teach young people about music. He led every aspect of the Cedar Shoals High School Band; including symphonic, concert, flags, drill team and drum majors. Each band received Larry’s undivided attention, and in turn were highly successful and respected throughout the south. They performed at many Rose Festivals in Thomasville, GA, and parades at Disneyworld. They also played for the Atlanta Falcons games in Atlanta. Another highlight for the band was playing in Atlanta for Dr. Charles McDaniel when he became the state school superintendent.

While Dr. McDaniel was still in Athens, GA, the Clarke Central Band Director left the district at Christmas. Dr. McDaniel called Larry in and told him that he will be finishing the school year teaching at both schools with the help of his choice. He took three bands to festival and made superior ratings with all of them.

He took great pride in his students and their performances. The impressive size of his band was only enhanced by the bands consecutive superior rating each year.

Dr. Bill Hale commissioned Larry to make a video titled “How to Create a Half-time Show”. These accomplishments put Cedar Shoals High School on the map.

His experience at Cedar Shoals was a most satisfying and rewarding time of his career. His career and efforts earned a place in the 2018 Hall of Fame at Cedar Shoals.

Mr. McLure also led those outside of his band. He authored 17 books on sight-reading which taught students around the world how to sight-read and its importance. He was an active member of several professional organizations; including GMEA, Phi Mu Alpha, Phi Beta Mu, National Band Association, Music Education National Conference, Citation of Excellence, and was a recipient of an Arch Youth Development Award and two-time STAR teacher distinction at Cedar Shoals.

Mr. McLure also had his personal musical pursuits outside of his career. He was a talented saxophonist and played professionally with several groups including the Ringling Brothers Circus, Holiday on Ice, The Platters, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Jan and Dean and The Four Tops. He played with an 18-piece orchestra in Columbus, GA called The Cavaliers, traveling many states. He also played with The Auburnites, an Auburn University jazz band, and many events in the Athens area. He also served as a choir director for over 30 years among three churches, Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, St. James United Methodist Church and Tuckston United Methodist Church.

While Mr. McLure loved music, the greatest joy in his life came from his family. After his marriage to Mrs. Jemmay, they had two sons: Tim and Todd. The tragic passing of Tim in 1998 greatly altered the course of Mr. McLure’s life, and he greatly desired upon his death to be reunited with his son.

Left to cherish the memories they made together are his loving wife, Jemmay McLure; his son, Todd McLure (Lindsay); two grandchildren, Reed and Nolan; and the countless students he served during his career.

Mr. McLure will lie in state Sunday, August 24 from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, 1690 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605. Funeral services will begin at 2:00PM followed by a reception and visitation until 4:30. Interment at Athens Memory Gardens will follow. The family requests casual attire with happy colors. Cedar Shoals orange and blue is acceptable for this Celebration of Life!

Memorials may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association Georgia Chapter, PO Box 35, Roswell, GA 30077.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. For those not able to attend, please visit our website to leave an online condolence. www.lordandstephens.com