Lawrence Edward Savage's Obituary
Lawrence Edward Savage was an incredibly talented, award-winning journalist with an impressive sports knowledge and most importantly the very proud father of two sons he greatly loved. Larry ended this part of his journey on Sunday, July 26 when his big heart knew it was time to take him home.
Born Aug. 17, 1962 in Leesburg, Fla., to Beulah Savage (later Lankford) and Gordon Savage Jr., Larry was raised in Leesburg and during his formative years he and his entire family were very engaged in swimming. He earned many individual and team swimming honors through his school and on teams competing at tournaments throughout Florida and beyond.
Larry graduated from Leesburg High School and Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg where he was editor of the college newspaper, The Angler. Even as a young teenager, Larry knew he wanted to become a journalist and he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism at the University of Florida, working for Gator Bait and occasionally the Gainesville Sun. His professional career included covering prep sports for the Winter Haven News Chief and then a variety of sports including the Florida Gators at the Star Banner in Ocala. During his tenure at the Star Banner, Larry became the editor for the newspaper’s equine publication and was later promoted to editor of the community newspapers serving the area through the Star Banner. He served in leadership of the local Society of Professional Journalists Chapter. He also worked in the sports department of the Orlando Sentinel for a year.
In the late 2000s Larry moved to Gainesville, Fla. to work at the Gainesville Sun covering prep sports and became popular with local high school team members and fans. He taught journalism classes at UF as an adjunct instructor and then finished his newspaper career covering education.
In addition to sports and journalism, Larry enjoyed traveling and was amazingly talented at planning overseas travel before the internet was available to help. He took many trips with his family, including his in-laws throughout his 20s and 30s, and then also his children when they came along. He loved watching his sons play sports when they were young and camping with them as they grew into adults, consistently spending several treasured summer weeks together through the years in St. Augustine.
Larry also loved music, particularly classic rock from the 1980s and once while visiting Dublin, Ireland, he ventured off alone to visit the studio where U2 band members practiced and recorded their music. In fact, the band’s album Joshua Tree inspired him to visit the national park in California, and while spending time in Arizona on the way, he decided to
relocate there after he completed his career in journalism. He liked the climate and the landscapes of the southwest, and enjoyed being a share-ride driver in Tuscon.
Always appreciative to others for kindnesses, Larry was kind himself, with a heart for helping others. He was a proud lifetime Methodist, Gator and Democrat. He loved animals and his dog Bandit remained his favorite pet of all time and he spoke of him often. His Florida roots called to him after his diagnosis of ALS and he returned to spend the rest of his life in his home state.
Larry was always close to his mother and requested to be buried near her, which will be his final earthly resting place in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. It was important to him that his boys knew how incredibly much he loved them, and he leaves, for now, his sons Samuel Scott Savage and Cary Ansel Savage.
He is also survived by Carole Savage Hagans, his friend, former wife of 21 years and mother of his children; brothers Gordon Savage III (Deborah); Douglas Savage; George Savage (Giovanna); and former sister-in-law Theresa Savage. Also, nephews Marshal Savage (Sara); James Savage; and Matthew Savage; nieces Christina Savage, Michelle Savage and Nicole Savage; great nieces Penelope Savage and Camry Savage; and great nephews Dax Savage and Chase Savage. Additionally, his former brothers-in-law Father Harry Coverston (Andy Mobley) who he requested as the officiant for his celebration of life and David Coverston (Ruthie). Also left to remember him are friends from throughout Florida and many other states, his second wife and many colleagues. Larry was predeceased by his parents and former parents-in-law, Samuel and Marjorie Coverston.
Larry was grateful for the medical care of Dr. James Wymer and his team at the University of Florida Fixel Institute for the care and compassion they provided.
Larry will be remembered for his talents, sense of humor, love for his sons and how he enjoyed a good laugh. He always thanked those who visited him in his facility as it meant a lot to him, and he asked that his family and friends remember the fun times and the stories of him that made them laugh and smile. He will be profoundly missed by many, especially his sons, but the light he gave the world will shine through them.
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