LAURENCE DECATUR BRONSON
Laurence Decatur Bronson, 81, of Freeport, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital-VITAS Hospice Care-Pensacola, surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 15, 1944, to Polly Hubbard and Laurence Decatur Bronson, Sr.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Frank Bronson and the Reverend William Fry.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Ulmer Bronson, his sister-in-law, Virginia Bronson, and his children Jeffrey (Valerie) Bronson, Jason Bronson, Kim (David) Shirley, and Mark (Stephanie) Wheeler. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Makenzie (Justin) Linn, Madison (Austin) Tedder, Julie (Jake) Peterson, Rhianna Bronson, Carter Bronson, Brayden Wheeler, Marabelle Shirley, and Abby Despain. In addition, he also leaves his great-grandchildren, Easton David and Emersyn Rae Tedder, Hudson Rivers, and Isla Katherine Linn.
Larry had the heart of a servant, both in business and with his family. His wisdom and quiet strength were a constant in our lives and shaped the way our family lived and loved. He was known for his amazing, quick, and dry wit and was able to lighten the mood with smiles and laughter. He cherished his time spent with his family and friends, traveling, and fishing.
While in Memphis, Larry was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church. One of Larry’s favorite Bible verses was from Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Walking humbly was easy for him. He loved his Lord, and we find comfort that he is now at peace in the arms of his Savior.
Larry was a graduate of East High School in Memphis and began his college days at Tennessee Tech University, Auburn University, and, finally, the University of Oklahoma. He was awarded a Bachelor of Architecture with honors from the University of Oklahoma and certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, holding licenses in eight states.
He was a founding principal of Jackson Bronson & Feraci, Inc., Architects & Planners. He served as an officer of the American Institute of Architects, receiving its coveted Certificate of Merit. In addition, he was a member of the Memphis Chapter, A.I.A., and the Tennessee Society of Architects. He was honored as a recipient of the Memphis Preservation Award in 2002 for his renovation of the Madison Hotel. His work on the new construction of the Macon-Hall Elementary School was given first place in the School of the Year award for Excellence in Architectural Design by the Tennessee School Boards Association. He was recognized and presented with the Newcomer of the Year Award by Hilton Hotels Worldwide for the renovation of an existing Hilton property in Jackson, Mississippi.
His most notable achievement with Jackson Bronson & Feraci was his work in the restoration of the Memphis Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, the underground IMAX Theater addition, and numerous educational exhibits. In the early 1990s, Larry worked along with the staff historian to renovate and recreate the Clarence Saunders mansion.
After retirement, Cindy and Larry moved to Arkansas and called Cherokee Village home for fifteen years, where Larry continued his work as an independent architect in Northeast Arkansas, became active in community life, and enjoyed lake living. They are most grateful for life-long friendships, which continue to bless them even to this day.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, where he and Cindy were members. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Cherokee Village Youth Ministry, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
The family extends their sincere thanks to the staff and members of First Baptist Church, Cherokee Village, for their love and support. Their gratitude also extends to the staff of Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital-Pensacola and VITAS Hospice Care. For our dear friends in Freeport and the precious friends we call our “Village” family, we have felt your prayers, and we are so grateful.
