Larry Ward Oline

1937 – 2022
Larry Oline of St. Petersburg entered his heavenly home on August 27 following a short illness.

Larry was born on July 8, 1937, the son of Cyril and Nadine Oline of Stafford, Kansas. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Kansas and a Master's degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech University. He taught engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa until his retirement in1998. He was a consultant for insurance companies in accident reconstruction.

He married Gwendolyn Albright in 1959. She passed away in 1996. Realizing the brevity of life, Larry wanted to do something more for the Lord; but he didn't know what, where, or with whom. He was introduced to Alma Tygert, and they were married in December, 1998. Larry took early retirement from the University, and they went to Japan to work at a bilingual church in Yokosuka for 5 ½ years. Larry helped to start a new church on Sunday afternoons in the city of their residence—Nokendai, Japan.

Larry served in New Creation Family Church as an elder and Sunday School teacher. Kohichi and Shirley Tamura in Yokohama, Japan, say of their esteemed co-worker in Japan: "For Larry Oline, a lion of Judah: A husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, pastor, elder, deacon, professor, missionary, church planter, spiritual mentor, dear and trusted friend, child of God, home at last."

Larry is survived by his sister Diane Savage of Kansas, his wife Alma, four children, Jackson, Julie (Greg), Susan, Sarah (Matt), grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stepchildren Patti (Jon), Karen (Jack), and Michael (Gwen) and their children as well as several nieces and nephews. We all thank the Lord for having Larry in our lives.

Our family would like to extend appreciation to Suncoast Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion during this time.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3, at 2 PM at New Creation Family Church, 100 Pasadena Avenue, North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Arrangements are entrusted by R. Lee Williams and Son Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Creation Family Church for the Food Distribution.