Longtime University of South Alabama trustee and Alabama businessman Larry D. Striplin, Jr., 82, died Monday, Jan. 23, at a Birmingham hospital.

Striplin, a native of Selma whose business was based in Birmingham, was appointed to the USA Board of Trustees in 1998 by Gov. Fob James, representing Dallas and Lowndes counties.  He was reappointed by Gov. Bob Riley in 2005.

“Larry Striplin was a tireless advocate for improving people’s lives through education and provided his time, talent and resources as a supporter and valued trustee of the University of South Alabama,” said USA President Gordon Moulton. “His many good works will forever enhance the quality of life of countless citizens who benefit from USA’s teaching, research, and health care programs.

“Mr. Striplin was particularly committed to building the character of young people through involvement in athletics and extracurricular activities, and we will especially remember him for his strong support of the development of USA’s successful intercollegiate football and marching band programs.”

In addition to his service as trustee, Striplin was generous in his philanthropy to USA and supported numerous University projects, including the Larry D. Striplin, III, Basketball Practice Facility, a gymnasium memorializing his late son, who was a former student and Jaguar basketball manager. He also provided philanthropic support for the Joseph and Rebecca Mitchell Learning Resource Center in the University’s Mitchell College of Business and donated several pieces of sculpture to the Geri Moulton Children’s Park at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

As a trustee, he was instrumental in the creation of a long-range facilities master plan at the University.

Professionally, Striplin served as chairman and chief executive officer of both Nelson-Brantley Glass Contractors and Clearview Properties. He was also managing partner of both Acquisition Participants and the St. James Hotel in Selma.

Striplin was a well-known sports figure across the state of Alabama. He served 15 years as chairman of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, where he established the Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete Foundation. Each year, the foundation awards college scholarships to 96 high school scholar-athletes.

In tribute to his service to sports in Alabama, he was named the 1998 Distinguished American Sportsman by the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the sports halls of fame at Spring Hill College, Birmingham-Southern College, and Belmont College in Nashville. His interest and support of sports and education also led him to establish two athletic facilities at Birmingham-Southern, his alma mater.

Striplin received his bachelor's degree in education from Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Ala., and his master's degree in education from George Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) in Nashville, Tenn.

Striplin is survived by his wife, Rhonda Bass Striplin; daughter, Janet S. Nottrodt (Clay) of Pelham, Ala.; son, David R. Striplin (Isabelle) of Roswell, Ga.; and daughter, Cynthia S. Victor (Jerry) of Selma, Ala. He is predeceased by his son, Larry D. Striplin, III, of Birmingham, Ala. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Lauren Striplin, Scott Fussell, Taylor Striplin, Christy Striplin, Barrett Striplin, Beverly Smith, Katie Rives, and Holly Carter. He is predeceased by his granddaughter, Megan Weavil. He also has two great-grandchildren, Lilly Smith and Landon Rives. Other survivors include stepchildren, Heather Gentry and Jessica Ceurvels, and step-grandchild, Ella Gentry.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 27, from 5-8 p.m. at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, 2150 Richard Arrington, Jr., Boulevard, Birmingham, Ala. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 518 19th Street North in Birmingham. Burial will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Live Oak Cemetery, 300 Dallas Avenue, in Selma, Ala., following a brief graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Striplin's name to Birmingham-Southern College through the Office of Institutional Advancement, 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254, and to the Bryant-Jordan Student Athlete Program, P.O. Box 10163, Birmingham, AL 35202.