Larry Whirl

In Loving Memory of Larry Lynn Whirl, ACSW, LISW-S, DCSW

A Life Dedicated to Service, Innovation, and Compassion

With sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Larry L. Whirl, ACSW, LISW-S, DCSW. He passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025 in his residence. Larry was born on August 31, 1947 to John & Mary Whirl in Winona, Mississippi. He graduated from J.J. Knox High School in 1965 as the valedictorian of his class. Larry was a devoted social worker, visionary leader, and unwavering advocate for the well-being of others. Larry’s journey was marked by a passionate commitment to empowering individuals and transforming communities through innovative, ethical, and principled service.

A Professional of Heart and Purpose

Larry’s career was a tapestry woven with diligence, creativity, and an unending desire to uplift those around him. He possessed the rare ability to see potential where others saw challenges, developing and implementing cutting-edge programs that yielded real, lasting change. He devoted tireless hours to helping individuals and families rebuild and restore their lives, aimed at giving them a renewed sense of hope and enhanced quality of life.

Career Achievements

Over four decades, Larry made an indelible mark across the behavioral healthcare field and beyond. He served as a partnering consultant with Brown Consulting LTD in Toledo, Ohio, Clinical Director for Recovery Services of NW Ohio in Defiance, and O/P Clinical Supervisor at Century Health in Findlay. His leadership reached families and communities as Program Director at Caldwell Center and Mary Hall Freedom House in Atlanta, guiding comprehensive treatment centers for women, children, and families. He created Project SAVVY (Standing Against Violence and Victimization of Youth), a mentoring and character building program aimed at saving adolescents from becoming wards of the criminal justice system.

Larry’s commitment to recovery and wellness extended nationally, touching lives at HUGS Recovery Centers, Our Common Welfare Project Synergy, IMANI Associates, and St. Jude’s Recovery Center. His work as a private clinical therapist, human resources consultant, and Executive Director at the Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Toledo cemented his reputation for compassion backed by tangible results. Under his leadership, the Center became the premier forensic psychiatry organization in the Midwest and played a major role in the development of the Toledo community comprehensive care network.

Service Beyond Boundaries

Larry’s impact stretched far beyond organizational walls. He selflessly provided consulting expertise to the Deaf Service Center, the Navajo Nation, STAND Incorporated, Center for Social Change, Castlewood Treatment Center, ACTS Consulting, and many other organizations dedicated to supporting marginalized and vulnerable populations. His wisdom and warmth enriched every project and partnership, always championing innovative solutions for the disadvantaged and those with disabilities.

Education and Military Service

Larry was a lifelong learner, earning a Master of Public Administration from the University of Toledo, a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Jackson State University. His drive for excellence led him to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania for a certificate in Finance and Accounting. Larry, a Vietnam Veteran, entered the United States Air Force immediately after high school graduation. He was honorably discharged as a Supply Systems Computer Specialist earning the Bronze Star.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Larry’s leadership was felt not only through his professional affiliations (Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio, Academy of Certified Social Workers, Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, National Association of Social Workers, and more), but also through his heartfelt service on boards such as NAMI Ohio, Innovative Solutions for Disadvantage and Disability, and the Open Door Ministry. He was a founding member of the Fifty Men and Women of Toledo and a dedicated member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.

A Life Well-Lived

Behind his impressive credentials and remarkable career, Larry was a man who found joy in reading, writing poetry, and volunteering. He viewed serving others as a sacred gift to society, and those lucky enough to know him experienced his kindness, empathy, and unwavering belief in the power of community. Larry’s legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, the colleagues he inspired, and the programs he built to help others flourish. His voice carries on in his countless published works of poetry and professional publications.

Farewell, Larry

As we bid farewell to Larry L. Whirl, we honor a life devoted to justice, healing, and hope. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he helped, the organizations he shaped, and the family of friends and colleagues he leaves behind. Larry is survived by his sisters Allean Butts & Lucy Woods; his brothers L Lee Whirl, Barry B. Woods, & William “Leroy” Woods; his sons Shawn Whirl & Marty Whirl; his grandson; several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

May we all continue his mission, empowering others to enhance the quality of their lives and reach for their dreams, just as Larry did every day. Rest in peace, Larry. Your light shines on in the lives you lifted.