On Saturday, April 2, 1959 , a beautiful baby boy was born to Katie Mae Dozier and James W. Malone. They named him Orville DeLarry Dozier . In later years, his name was changed to Larry Dozier-Malone . Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Larry grew up in the loving home with his mother and maternal grandmother, Katie Griffin Dozier. He often tagged along to attend Truelight Baptist Church with Grandmother Dozier. Larry also attended St. Paul Baptist Church which was the church home of his paternal grandmother, Mattie Malone. At a young age, he was baptized at St. Paul by Pastor Obie Rush.

Larry received his formative education in the public schools of District #189. While attending East St. Louis Senior High School (E. Side), he was an active member of the wrestling and football teams. Upon his graduation for E. Side in 1977, Larry was awarded a wrestling scholarship to Belleville Area College (BAC).

Larry later embarked upon a career as a bus driver for the Bi-State/Metro Transportation Company. He thoroughly enjoyed interacting with his passengers and co-workers. He made many friends on his route. Larry's tenure with the Bi-State/Metro Transportation Company was over 25 years.

On December 2, 2006 , Larry married his sweetheart, Dalchanique Jones. At that time, he willingly embraced his role as the stepfather to his "bonus" son, Ke'Shawn. A few years later, they welcomed an additional blessing in the form of a lovely daughter named Ke'Annah.

Larry was a "gentle giant". He was an extremely hard-word, jovial, and family oriented individual. He was pleased to teach/lead CPR and First Aid classes for the American Red Cross for many years. Cruises and day trips were two of his favorite leisure activities. Larry was especially excited to attend family holiday gatherings and large reunions. During the summer months, the Malone family eagerly awaited his mouth-watering barbecue ribs.

Larry Dozier-Malone departed this life on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife, daughter and stepson. His beloved grandparents, Katie Griffin, Mattie and Louis Malone; two aunts, Patricia and Carole; three uncles, Louis Charles, and Richard; and one first cousin, Tony Malone, all preceded him in death.

Leaving to cherish his memory are: his beloved wife, Dalchanique Dozier-Malone; stepson, Ke'Shawn Belt; daughter Ke'Annah Dozer-Malone; sister, Jamille Malone; brother, David Malone; god-parents, Neuman and Betty Stroter; god sister, Michelle Stroter; mother-in-law, Levesta Jones; father-in-law, Darryl Brooks; grandmother-in-law, Cozetta Jones; sister-in-law, Teemiko (Anthony) Bibbs Sr.; brothers-in-law, Rayveon Jones Jr. (Amanda) and Demarco Brown (Brandi); aunts, Mary Blackburn (Charles II), Ruth Carr Townsend, Valerie Malone, and Cheri Malone-Gaston; four uncles, Samuel Dozier, Thomas Dozier, Paul Malone (Elizabeth) and Michael Malone; life-long friends, Geno Spearman, Fred Danley, and Mike Vargo; special cousins, Debra Ann Jordan-Wilson and Denise Malone; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.