Lawrence Alan Day

Larry Day

A life of faith, family, service, and quiet leadership

“A life lived with intention and gratitude.”

Larry Day lived a life marked by faith, family devotion, intellectual curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Over more than 80 years, he built a legacy grounded not in self-promotion, but in steady service, thoughtful leadership, and gratitude for the many people and places that shaped him along the way.

Raised with the strong support of loving grandparents and family, Larry often credited his early years with instilling in him the values that guided his entire life. His grandparents were, in his words, “rock solid,” consistently supportive, encouraging, and invested in helping him become the best version of himself. (Much like he himself became to his family) That foundation carried him through childhood, education, and adulthood, giving him confidence, discipline, and an enduring moral compass.

Larry attended Brighton High School, a place he regarded not simply as a school, but as an anchor and a home throughout his life. There, he benefited from dedicated teachers who emphasized both academics and character, teaching the importance of responsibility, competition, and resilience. Brighton remained a touchstone for Larry wherever life took him, and he maintained lifelong friendships and pride in his roots there.

After high school, Larry attended the University of Iowa, an experience that proved transformative. Entering a much larger and more diverse environment challenged him intellectually and personally, but it also strengthened his independence, determination, and confidence. Those years helped shape his worldview and prepared him for a career that would demand both technical expertise and steady leadership.

Larry built a distinguished career in telecommunications engineering and management, spanning decades and continents. His work took him across the United States and internationally, including an assignment in Australia and involvement in projects across North America. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles with organizations including Continental Telephone Company (CONTEL), and Cox Communications. He was widely respected for his technical insight, calm problem-solving, and willingness to take responsibility during times of growth, transition, and crisis.

Among his many contributions, Larry played key roles in network engineering, system evaluations, corporate planning, and disaster recovery operations following major hurricanes. He approached these challenges not as opportunities for recognition, but as obligations to serve communities and colleagues who depended on reliable systems and steady leadership.

At the center of Larry’s life was his marriage to his beloved wife, Alicia. Married in 1958, they shared more than 60 years together, years marked by frequent moves, professional demands, and family responsibilities. Larry often said that none of his accomplishments would have been possible without Alicia’s unwavering support. She managed countless transitions with strength and grace, caring for their family and ensuring stability amid constant change. Larry regarded her as the true foundation that made everything else possible.

Together, Larry and Alicia raised their children through multiple relocations, each move bringing both opportunity and challenge. Larry remained deeply aware of the sacrifices these moves required of his family and expressed lasting gratitude for their resilience and adaptability.

A man of faith, Larry believed his abilities and opportunities were blessings meant to be used in service to God and others. He took quiet pride in knowing that his work helped connect people and support communities, and that his life reflected values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion.

In 2006, Larry retired and settled in Marietta, Georgia, where he continued to reflect with humility and gratitude on a full and meaningful life. In looking back, he expressed not regret, but appreciation for the people who shaped him, the challenges that strengthened him, and the relationships that gave his life lasting purpose.

Larry Day will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, and friend. He valued family above all, cherished lifelong friendships, honored his teachers and mentors, and never forgot where he came from. His life stands as a testament to quiet leadership, enduring faith, and the profound impact of a life lived with intention and gratitude.

God bless each and every one who shared in his journey.