Birth date: Nov 6, 1959 Death date: Aug 15, 2020
To view the Celebration of Life Funeral Service on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 2:30 PM CST, please click https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/embed_viewer/35317 Lawrence “Larry” Michel of Charlotte, NC. He was born in Sacramen Read Obituary
After a year, still you are missed.
I attended Larry's service and was so moved that I couldn't really speak, but I will say here what I could not say there.
Larry was my oldest brother, and to say that I idolized him when I was growing up would be a gross understatement of fact. He was the fastest, the smartest, and very nearly the strongest of us all. There wasn't anything he couldn't do, and what he did he did with supreme excellence. He is the reason that I ran track and studied French in high school. Everywhere I went, there were signs of where he had been and what he had done at Johnstown, and I was constantly reminded by his teachers and coaches just how good that he was: big shoes to fill! He tutored me in Algebra; I probably wouldn't have passed without his help, and those early math lessons eventually led to a career in engineering. His record collection was amazing (used to listen to it when he was out running around with his friends) and it is to Larry that I attribute my taste in '70s classic rock.
Larry and I lost track of each other starting in the 90's (when I moved to the East Coast) and we didn't re-establish contact until 2006 when my younger brother David passed. I was grateful that we found each other once again! We had the most interesting conversations on a wide variety of topics (Larry was quite well read) so we never ran out of things to say or share with one another. Larry loved music, and we often would share songs with one another. During our final conversation on Monday 8/10/20, we listened to Frank Sinatra's "In the Wee Small Hours". Sad and sweet.
Larry taught me a lot about life and living over the years, and for that I will always be grateful. Good bye my brother; I will see you on the other side.
Your bro,
Joe
I can’t say I have a memory of Larry but only if your countenance when you were together. It was as if you found your soulmate and you were so happy and seemed to enjoy your travels together. May he Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in his memories.
Larry was one of my best friends growing up in Johnstown, OH. He and I met in the 6th grade and remained friends for the rest of his life. He along with Jeff Furr, John McKenzie and others played baseball in my yard, travelled to the Northridge ballpark and played there as well. Larry and I did a science fair in Junior High with a focus on rocketry and using rockets to provide Arial Photography. We received "Superior" ratings and progressed to the county-wide science fair at Denison University. Larry and I played in the band together, him on the trombone and me on the trumpet. We sang in the Chorale, his voice already changed to bass while I remained a tenor for a couple of years. We played football together in high school and he ran track competing in relays, the 440 and 880. Larry was quite fast!
Larry was a special favorite of my father who gave boatloads of crap for lack of ability to drive (especially back-up driving). My driveway contained a lot of ruts from Larry's lack of skills. It aggravated my Dad so much he had Larry and I repair the driveway hand pulling a 500lb roller over the ruts every couple of weeks. I spent many of my youthful days with Larry's family out on Northridge Rd. He spent many of his days with my family on Johnstown-Utica.
Larry was an exceptional bright star in Johnstown.....smart as hell and eager to leave as soon as he could. Larry graduated early which nearly broke my heart. I'll always remember growing up with Larry....he was a fantastic friend and I loved him very much! Rest in Pease my friend.....We will meet again.
Vance Holter
The first time we met was shortly after Marcella and Larry moved down to Charlotte. He introduced himself and my immediate thought was he was so charismatic. He extended his hand to shake my hand and I missed ever so slightly, he jokingly teased me and said “Oh come on you’re a big guy! I know you can do better than that, that was weak!”. We laughed then reintroduced ourselves and shook hands again. Then we chatted about his days as a RB and my days as an offensive lineman, he said: “I’m sure you were good back in the day, I would have followed you into any defense!” After that interaction, I think about that every time I shake someone’s hand. He had a way of immediately making you feel comfortable and I truly appreciated that about him. Larry, thank you for bringing my friend Marcella so many years of joy.
I had the pleasure and honor to be one of Larry’s high school teachers in Johnstown, Ohio. He was bright, witty, and had an unusual maturity. He was definitely an unforgettable part of our school. I am not surprised to read that the same qualities we knew in him as a young man, stayed with him his entire life. My sympathies go to his family and friends.
Beth Phelps
Larry, man--we had so many plans!! I keep thinking about our plans to ride the high Uinta Mountains horseback-----I just want you to know man---I'll ride those mountains and you'll be with me there, my friend. We'll ride them together. Joe Foster [email protected]. 832-544-3857
Larry was a great guy. Very easy going and a love for music and nature. Great cook when making squash soup. A very funny, happy human being. Larry will be missed. May God keep you forever in his kingdom. Your brother in law. Luis.
Larry I will always remember your "hello dear" to me with your deep voice. My sister definitely enjoyed hearing your voice. You were always full of stories and told them with much excitement. May you rest in peace
Christina Martinez
