Larry Elder was born to parents Randolph Elder and Viola Elder on April 27, 1952. His dad was a Republican, whereas his mom was a Democrat.

Randolph and Viola married in 1947 and lived in Tennessee till 1949. They later moved to Los Angeles. They raised three sons.

Larry Father Randolph Elder

Elder was born in 1915 in Athens, Georgia. He grew up in poverty and got kicked out of the home by his mom and her boyfriend, as per DVIDS. Before getting enlisted in the Marien Corps on November 13, 1943, Randolph had to work many menial jobs. 

He was one of the first African American Marines to enlist and undergo recruit training at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Elder served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

He worked as a cook and served meals to the soldiers during the Pacific Campaign and later became a staff sergeant. He departed the service on April 9, 1946. Randolph had to move from Georgia to California because of the Second Great Migration after the war.

Elder opened a cafe in Pico-Union in 1962 after being employed as a janitor at Nabisco. He operated the breakfast cafe while working two janitorial jobs. Randolph passed away on March 31, 2011.

Larry called his father gruff and blunt. Randolph often intimidated his children, but they rarely ever doubted his love or commitment to them.

U.S. Representative Dana Rohrabacher awarded Randolph the Congressional Gold Medal, and his sons Larry and Kirk accepted it on his behalf in 2013.

Larry Mother Viola Elder

Viola was born Viola Conley on July 2, 1924, in Toney, Alabama. Elder went to Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, after graduating high school.

She was employed at the United States Department of War in Washington, DC, during World War II. She was a clerical worker there.

Viola was an active community member who served in several organizations and churches in Los Angeles. She passed away on June 13, 2006, in Los Angeles, as per The Los Angeles Times.