2026 Distinguished Alumnus - Larry Larrison
2026 Distinguished Alumnus - Larry Larrison
A member of the third generation of a Bearkat family legacy, Larry Larrison (‘77) is all about tradition. It was never a question of whether Larrison would attend Sam Houston State University, but when.
The grandson of H.O. “Molly” Crawford — SHSU faculty member from 1929 to 1967, head football coach from 1936-1937, head track coach and a member of the inaugural Athletic Hall of Honor — and the son of Jeff “Jumbo” Larrison, former SHSU football player and Mary Carolyn Crawford Larrison, Bearkat Band alumna, Larry has remained deeply connected to the university throughout his life.
Following his graduation from Anahuac High School in 1973, Larrison was the next to carry on the Bearkat legacy. It was during his time at SHSU that he met his wife Marijane and made lifelong connections through his membership in the SHSU chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. On top of his active life on campus, Larrison worked multiple jobs throughout his college career, including at his uncle’s store Reliable Parts Co, Moore Henry Motors and as a maitre’d at Waterwood Country Club.
By 1977, as Larrison neared commencement and his formal entry into post-graduate life, his connections were already working in his favor, landing him an interview with Southwestern Life Insurance Company, where he was newcomer of the year. What started as a call to interview with his father’s former teammate led to the launch of Larrison’s 42-year-long career in insurance, including leadership roles at Southwestern Life Insurance, Thomason O’Bannon Agency, Shaffer Insurance Agency, Walker County Insurance Agency, First Guaranty Insurance/WNCFirst, CP Insurance Associates (CPIA) and Collateral Protection Insurance Agency, where he was salesman of the year. His career helped him support his four children and brought him to great heights, as he served as vice president of business development for multiple organizations, including CPIA, where he retired from in 2026.
On top of a distinguished career in insurance, Larrison has been engaged in the family’s cattle ranching business throughout his life. His passion for ranching led him to become a member of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and serve as USDA county chairman for Walker, Brazos and Anderson County from 2019 to 2022.
Larrison also served on the Phelps Special Utility District since 2016. Even after entering retirement, he continues to cultivate cattle and sell them to his established buyers, equating the work to a lifelong hobby.
It’s not just his enthusiasm for ranching that has remained strong over the years. Larrison’s love of all things SHSU has persisted through his life and career, leading him to be a member of the alumni association and be elected to the Alumni Board of Directors in 2016. He became vice president of the board in 2022 then served as president from 2022 to 2023. During his tenure, he established the “Hire a Bearkat” program, championed alumni engagement and strengthened the Bearkat community. He’s also remained an avid Bearkat sports fan who has supported the Bearkat football, basketball, baseball and other sports programs during and after his time as a student.
Alongside his Bearkat pride, he has also carried the Bearkat spirit with him throughout his career, having been inspired by the university motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service.” Whether it was through his support of his insurance customers, collaboration with his cattle buyers or by supporting a donation challenge during SHSU Giving Day, Larrison has exemplified the spirit, loyalty and leadership of a true Bearkat.
Larrison and his wife Marijane are the proud parents of four children and loving grandparents to eight grandchildren.