Larry Dornell Walls

Larry Dornell Walls was born on April 21, 1955 in Houston, Texas to Mr. Louis C. Walls. Sr. and Mrs. Iona Walls. He was the youngest boy out of eleven children.

In his youth, Larry was a member of the Saints Chapel Church of God in Christ in Houston, Texas. As an adult, Larry attended Reveal 2 Ministry, in Yuma, Arizona, under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Hubert (Claudette) Kenney. After moving back to Houston last year, Larry rededicated his life to Christ.

Larry was dedicated to a life of service to his country and community. In his youth, he developed a passion for and excelled in sports such as basketball and baseball. Larry graduated from the Houston Independent School District and joined the United States Army where he served as a Supply Clerk from 1973 to 1979. Following his honorable discharge, he met and married Yuma native, Karen Parker, and settled into life as a Firefighter at Yuma Proving Grounds. After the birth of their two children, Larry reignited his passion for sports and became involved in the community as a coach and mentor. He became actively involved in the following organizations: Yuma Boys Baseball League/Babe Ruth Little League (Coach), Yuma Babe Ruth (Head Coach), All-Stars Team (Assistant Head Coach), and the City of Yuma Boys Basketball League. He was well known in the community for teaching the values of hard work and discipline, cohesive team work, and the fundamental strategies of both basketball and baseball. Larry retired as a Fire Chief, after 35 years of federal service, during which time he maintained membership in the Yuma Fire Chief Association and Imperial Valley Fire Chief Association. Larry also worked at the Cocopah Casino as a Surveillance Officer, for a dozen years, following his retirement. Larry was a disciplined worker and provider, he was generous, he loved music and his Corvette. He had an unmatched zest for life and relished in every moment he had with his children and grandchildren, whom he loved very much.

On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, Larry departed this life to be with his Heavenly Father, his parents: Louis Sr. and Iona Walls, his three brothers: Douglas, Jerry and Richard Walls; and two sisters: Roxie Jackson, and Tomasita Walls.

He leaves to mourn his passing, two children: Elzena Nicole Walls, Chandler, AZ, and Derek (Lisa) Walls, San Antonio, TX; three brothers: James (Barbara) Williams, Opelousas, LA; Wallace (Bertha) Williams, Houston, TX, and Louis Walls Jr., Houston, TX; two sisters: Juretta (Murphy) Jacobs, and Shirley Walls both from Houston, TX. Four Grandchildren: Ayanna, Gabrielle, Janea, and Draiden. He had twenty-one nieces and nephews, forty-two great nieces and nephews, and a whole host of cousins and extended family, and friends. Two of those friends he held especially dear to his heart are Mr. Patrick Bailey of Yuma, AZ and Mr. Jessie Sally of Houston, TX. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.