My friendship with Larry O'Rear spans almost 4 decades. When I first met him, a person my size could not help but be impressed with his size. He was a big man! But it took only a short time to become aware that he was not only big in physical stature, he was big by far more important standards of measure. His heart was big, and his emotions tender. He was intellectually endowed beyond most of us, but always in touch with the real world struggles of life, and all felt at ease in conversation with him. He could seal himself in the depth of his studies, or become compassionately involved in the lives of others. He was strong in conviction, yet open to discussion. His interests and knowledge spanned a wide range. His love for people knew no boundaries of society, race or belief.
Wednesday afternoon, December 27, 1989, was a day Larry O'Rear was ready for. He was already serious about being ready when I met him in 1950. His dedication to God was the dominant force in his life. Many things were important to Larry, but none as important as the cause of Christ, the spiritual and temporal needs of people, the Lord's church, and his own Christian family. The rest of life was built around that nucleus. However, his serious side was balanced by a zest for daily life that was punctuated with laughter.
On the other hand, Wednesday afternoon, December 27, 1989, was a day Larry was not ready for. He had a full schedule of living ahead of him. He did not consider that he had finished his task. He had a wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren who needed him; needed his love, service, counsel and influence. There was a business that needed him. There is a whole congregation of us who needed his teaching, wisdom, and shepherding. There were countless things to which he longed to give his attention. But, when it became obvious that death was rapidly approaching, he accepted that with dignity, and with unwavering faith that the Lord whom he served would welcome him Home. He has gone to that "city whose builder and maker is God," and he is not among strangers! He has sustained a close relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the years.
As I review my friendship with Larry, he is one of the few people about
whom I think of absolutely nothing negative. I can hear him laugh and
comment that I must not have known him well enough. I'm sure he wasn't
perfect, but he stands high among those who have influenced my life. Of
him, I can use the Apostle Paul's statement in Philippians 1:3, "I thank
my God every time I remember you."