Mr. Larry Lee Patrick

****NOTE: Funeral Arrangements & Full Obituary Listed Below*** On March 11, 1956 in Battle Creek, Michigan the world was officially introduced to a beautiful baby boy name Larry Lee Patrick. Larry was the second youngest sibling of eight. Preceded in his death were his parents Frank Patrick, Vera Caldwell and brother Parcell Gibson. Larry accepted Christ at an early age and always felt he was called to the ministry to be a pastor. Larry was a member of Changing MBS 4 the people church (Pastor Angel Caldwell) where he directed the choir and instructed kids on how to play instruments and sing. He considered himself to be a man of strong faith with community influence. He matriculated through the Battle Creek Public School system and graduated in 1975 from Battle Creek Central High School. Larry was talented in the arts and sports throughout his school years. Perseverance, heart, toughness and athleticism on the gridiron, led him to be named to the 1975 All American Football Team. This accomplishment led him to a scholarship to attend Saginaw Valley College for football. He was a multi-talented businessman with charm at a young age, who was deejaying during the era of disco and funk. His professionalism in his craft and attention to detail weren't missed and this became his trademark. Larry was known to many as: "Dr. Rock Funky", "Dr. Rock", "Rocky", and "Doc", because he would wear a doctor’s lab coat and stethoscope to set himself apart from other d eejays. He believed in making those around him feel comfortable and truly entertained. Larry never met a stranger and took pride in helping out the Battle Creek Community. It’s rare to find someone who did not experience his deejaying at the El Grotto/Colors, Doc’s detailing, Doc’s Lawn Service or delicious food from Doc’s Chicken & Ribs. His clients were from the metropolitan areas of Lansing, Jackson, Albion, and Kalamazoo just to name a few. Larry loved spending time with his siblings and family. He would make it a point to call his loved ones on a regular basis and talk for hours. It was important for him to mentor young men. A few of his mentees/apprentices were LeRoy Wharton (Rockin Roy), Godfrey Daniels, Eddie Brooks, Gebree Gordan, Jomo Laurencin, Sean Gibson (DJ Cherry Coke), Wendell (DJ Wonderful) and many more. Larry was so fair skin that he was frequently picked on as a kid. He signed up for boxing with his best friend KP Porter. If you acted up in his club, he became the Deejay and the Bouncer. He even met Muhammad Ali. Larry entered himself in Battle Creek’s “Tough Man Contest” as a seasoned adult. No challenge was too big. He lived by the principle of R-E-S-P-E-C-T. His generosity was something people admired. Larry was a care giver for his mother for 12 years. Larry was honored and delighted when he had the opportunity to cut grass and shovel snow for senior citizens in his neighborhood. He recruited the neighborhood youth when he had big projects. The whole time he would lecture them on the importance of quality work. After a day’s work, he would reward his young recruits with a home cooked meal and cash in their pockets. A natural born comedian and an avid LA Lakers fan, Larry loved having a good time. He had the gift of gab and would council anyone in his presence. Larry was truly a popular individual to the young and old. His memory will live on through his family and friends. Larry leaves to cherish his memories with four daughters, Dr. Wakeshi (Dr. Larry) Benson of Midlothian, VA, LaBreisha Patrick of Houston, TX, Markisha McCray, LarRecha McCray and son Omar Williams all from Battle Creek, MI; nine grandchildren, Mishawna McCray, Bryce Benson, Michael McCray, Brooklynn Benson, Brandon Benson, Marcus McCray, Mariono McCray, Jazmine Johnson and Omar Williams Jr; three sisters, Sharon Miller of Battle Creek, MI, Patricia Ragland (Phillip) of Jackson, MI and Dorothy Bazemore of McKinney, TX; three brothers, Prentis Gibson (Margaret) and Bornell Gibson (Vicki) of Battle Creek, MI and Phillip Barbee (Nejla) of Studio City, CA; along with nieces, nephews, a host of close family, friends and loved ones.

Mr. Larry Lee Patrick

March 11, 1956 - February 13, 2019