Larry G. Douglas, Sr., 83, of Auburn Hills, MI, peacefully departed earth on January 30, 2024. He was born in Pontiac, MI, on January 30, 1941 to Stephen A. and Dovie L. Douglas (Scott). He often spoke of fond memories from his childhood spent in Calloway County, Kentucky, roaming creek beds and assisting his father in their general store. Upon returning to Michigan from Kentucky, Larry went on to graduate from Avondale High School after proudly serving as the captain of the 1958 varsity football team, earning all-league and all-county honors. He married his high school sweetheart, Glenda M. Douglas (Taylor), and later received his Civil Technician's degree from Schoolcraft College.
Larry dedicated his career to civil service. He treasured his 40-year tenure at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), where he began as a surveyor, became a certified concrete specialist, and worked his way up to become a senior inspector in the Metro Region. He was committed to his community and was elected to the inaugural Auburn Hills City Council in 1983. He served on Council for 14 years, including seven years as Mayor Pro-Tem. An ardent environmentalist, he pioneered the development of the Auburn Hills Pollution Review Board and served as a committee member on both the city’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Historical Society until his passing.
One of his most cherished life achievements was his involvement in MDOT’s labor organization movement. He served in a variety of leadership capacities within the Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU) in Lansing, MI, including President. Moreover, he was extremely proud to serve as a consultant for MDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, where he advocated for entrepreneurs from economically disadvantaged and traditionally marginalized backgrounds who were bidding on government-funded contracts.
Larry loved traveling with his family and enjoyed road trips as well as tackling projects at home. He also had an unmistakable passion for the outdoors and collected several cherished memories while camping, kayaking, biking, hunting, and fishing with his family and many loyal friends. As a lifelong athlete, Larry earned titles in various sports, including bowling, boxing, touch football, and softball. He also had a passion for golf and won many trophies over his years playing in as many as three leagues per season. He was inducted into the Avondale Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Glenda; his son, Larry G. Douglas, Jr.; and his brothers, Stephen Douglas, Howard Garrison, and Junior Garrison. He is survived by his sisters, Glenda (Ken) Dudley and Janice (Bruce) Parris; his brothers, Rollie (Jeanette) Douglas, and Charles (Shirley) Garrison; his daughter-in-law, Gail Douglas; his grandchildren, Reanna (Briana) Douglas, Amanda (Scott) Whiston, and Jasen Hilson; his great-grandchildren, Lillyan, Addyson, and James; and his loving companion, Barbara Wright, with whom he shared his sunset years smiling and laughing.
A visitation will be held at the Pixley Funeral Home Davis Chapel in Auburn Hills on Sunday, February 4 from 1-5 PM and 6-8 PM. The funeral will be held on Monday, February 5, at 11 AM, with in-state viewing beginning at 10 AM at Auburn Hills Presbyterian Church. Interment at Aaron Webster Cemetery to follow. Post-service luncheon at Grand Tavern in Rochester Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Auburn Hills Presbyterian Church, where he was a beloved congregant.
