September 17, 1928 – June 7, 2022
The Viewing will be held at McWhite’s Funeral Home
On Friday, June 17, 2022 from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Memorial will be held Saturday June 18, 2022
at 1 p.m., at McWhite’s Funeral Home
3501 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Celebrating The Life of Lawrence A. Hargrove, Jr., September 17, 1928 – June 7, 2022, Saturday June 18, 2022 1 p.m., McWhite Funeral Home, 3501 W Broward Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, Rev. Dr. J.R. Thicklin, Officiating “You are not judged by the height you have risen, but from the depth you have climbed.” Frederick Douglass
Lawrence (Larry) Alphonso Hargrove, Jr. was the son of the late Octavia Anderson Roberts, Lawrence Alphonso Hargrove, Sr., and West Roberts. He was born in Tallahassee, FL on September 17, 1928, and was peacefully called home at 6:45 p.m. on June 7, 2022.
Lawrence attended public school in Leon County, FL. He graduated in 1946 from Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, FL. Following high school, he attended Florida A&M University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology in 1951. After graduation, Lawrence joined the military, but returned home in 1954 to further his education at Florida A&M where he received a master’s degree in Business and Public Administration.
Lawrence taught middle school at Collins Elementary from 1959-1960; however, he left to follow his passion as a businessman in the music industry. Larry, also known as “Groovy
Grove”, has been an independent record promoter, a disc jockey with WMBM & WRBD in South Florida and WJLD in Birmingham, AL, and the proprietor of Tanzotic Enterprises, dba Spin City Records Shop, and Tavo Music Publishing. Larry was exceptional as a promoter of records and artists and was responsible for bringing revenue into the city of Fort Lauderdale, and cities and states throughout the U.S., by promoting concerts with current and upcoming artists & musicians. He has worked with, promoted, or booked such greats as Al Green, James Brown, Ike & Tina, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Temptations, Otis Redding, James Brown, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass, O.V. Wright, Frankie Beverly & Maze, South Florida’s own Ella Washington, and many others.
Larry and his then wife, Lacy, were masters at organizing top artists to share a stage to perform for people that came from miles around. He opened doors for many of his colleagues, DJs, and upcoming artists, and mentored many entertainers, steering them in the right way to conduct their business by learning to “own their talent” in order to reap the benefits (royalties) instead of giving them over to someone else.
Larry was an active participant in the first Sistrunk Festivals, designed to show ‘them’ patrons how much the local business owners appreciated their support, during the early
60s. Spin City records and many other “Sixth Street” proprietors would prepare food and drinks in front of their stores so their customers could listen to music, dance and have fun.
Life’s demands and challenges are behind him now. He lived life on his own terms, impacting the lives of others as a teacher, entrepreneur, veteran, friend, mentor, husband, and father.
Lawrence was formerly married to Thomasina Graham on October 4, 1956. To their union, four children were born. Lawrence was formerly married to Lacy Glenn on December 19, 1971 which to this union, one daughter was born. Lawrence’s parents and grandson (Asher Lawrence Earle Howard) preceded him in death.
Lawrence leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters: Cynita H. Mathews (Raymond) of Pembroke Pines, FL. Colynda J. Bryant (Anthony) of Snellville, GA, and Cheryl Hargrove Howard (Adam) of Silver Spring, MD; four sons : James L. Hargrove, Carlton J. Hargrove of Miami, FL. Cedric J. Hargrove of Miami, FL and Xavier M. Hargrove (Joshlyn) of Mableton, GA. eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family would also like to extend appreciation and love to his devoted caregiver, Miss Marjorie (Peaches) Smart.
