John Larry Shaw

Posted on May 23, 2025

John Larry Shaw, 87, of Perry passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Ocala.

He was born on Dec. 14, 1937, in Perry to the late James Walter and Lois Lee Shaw.

Upon his graduation from Taylor County High School, John Larry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955-59.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to Perry where he met the love of his life, Ms. Sharon A. Wright; even before their mothers could arrange their planned introduction of the two.

They married in 1961 and would remain happily married for 63 years.

John Larry graduated from Florida State University in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in social welfare.

He began his career with the Florida Department of Corrections in 1963 at Florida State Prison as a classification officer.

In 1968, he was named Community Services Regional Coordinator and, in 1976, Superintendent of Region II Community Services.

From there, he served as superintendent throughout the state until his retirement in 1994.

John Larry’s contributions throughout his tenure with the department were extensive and he has been credited with the implementation of programs that are still being utilized today.

John Larry was even more dedicated to his family. He was the epitome of a husband and father.

He was a loving and supportive husband to his wife and the father that encouraged his daughter in everything that she did.

Family trips were always a navigational adventure.

John Larry is survived by: his wife of 63 years, Sharon A. Wright Shaw of Perry; daughter, Kelda Shaw of Ocala; grandchildren, Richard Connell, Justin Connell, Matthew Connell and Trisha Mann; great-grandchildren, Eric Connell and Luna Mann; brother, Louis Shaw; and sister, Jamie Shaw McHargue.

John Larry touched the lives of countless people throughout his time on this earth by being a loving and generous man that truly walked the walk.

A funeral service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, May 24, at noon at the Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.