Neal-Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
Lawrence J.D. Safko, regionally acclaimed photographer and writer, died December 15, 2013. Larry is known for his creative and technically skilled photography, particularly his ToadalVision book and exhibits, and as photographer to Bonnaroo. Larry was born in Butzbach, Germany, in 1953. He graduated from Clarksville High School in 1971. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Austin Peay State University, and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Larry was co-owner of Third Eye Photography and Foto-1, taught public speaking and photography, and recently retired from the Department of Human Services. His works are on exhibit in government offices, businesses, and homes throughout the city and county.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents, David and Edie Safko. He is survived by his sister Larraine (Steve) Nobes of Vine Grove, KY, his daughter Laura DeRise of Nashville, TN, son, Anthony (Amanda) DeRise-Jewell, of Yucaita, CA, his niece Katharine (Aaron) Lee of Urbana, IL, and his uncle Egon (Johanna) Boehm of Butzbach, Germany.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to the Larry Safko Scholarship Fund for Photographic Arts at any Regions Bank; or to the Tennessee Kidney Foundation Patient Services Fund, 95 White Bridge Road, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37205.
Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 28, followed by a celebration of his extraordinary life, in the funeral home chapel. Friends are requested to bring their favorite Safko stories to share at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.