Dancing in the Shadows

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1943, from his parents Larry and Doris Gagner, his family moved to Detroit when Larry (junior) was just one year old, and then moved to Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida, when he was just ten.

Larry’s grand parents, Mimi and Hugh Swanston, had designed and built the Red Arrow Court in Ormond-By-The-Sea, Florida. Larry’s family moved there to help run and maintain the hotel. Larry’s father left the family when he was just twelve, leaving him with the task of helping to maintain the motel facilities, with the help of his grandfather Hugh.

Gifted in athleticism, inherited from both his parents, it was natural that Larry would exceed as an athlete, and he did. Gifted by circumstance, from the “hands on” repair tasks at their motel, and the many inevitable social encounters due a motel proprietor, Larry was sensitive to life outside the allure of sports. When he encountered painting as a student at the University of Florida, it took.

Fame and passion, Larry survived the famous part of his life, by the grace of God, and pursued his passion for art, and later, his unusual visual Christian ministry (SignsSublime.com). Since his time in sports, as an All-American  football player for the Florida Gators, and a four year starting guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 2nd round draft choice in 1966, he’s lived as a working artist in paint, glass block sculpture (CenterStageGlass.com) and computer generated imaging.

“Dancing in the Shadows” is Larry’s story of life as one who has had an (abbreviated) famous life, without being overly well know as an NFL offensive guard. Who lives an “ordinary” life as a regular guy, while being on a first name basis with many of the sports people we see every day in the newspaper and TV media. Who has learned that regardless of the limited shelf-life fame of a professional athlete, there are more important avenues in life to pursue  once you’ve hung up your football cleats for the last time. So even though, as an offensive NFL lineman you often play in the shadows of the more “skilled” players, that lowly, unsung position better prepares you for life’s challenges after football. I was literally dancing while playing in the NFL and WFL, and #79 is still doing so at 79–just for half as long per song.

In Dancing in the Shadows, you’ll visit a time in America that is fondly remembered, and, most assuredly, you’ll share in events reminiscent of your own. We all have our stories. Here are a few more to hopefully wet your appetite.

To order a personally autographed book at 10.00 dollars apiece, plus shipping, simply email me a request at gagmail@verizon.net or call at (813) 237-1624 in Tampa

Dancing in the Shadows is also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but, of course, it won’t come as a signed copy from me personally.