In Loving Memory of Larry Alvin Mills Sr. 

Larry Alvin Mills Sr. was born on November 18, 1942, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Alease (Mayo) Bowens and George Mills. From the very beginning, Larry’s life would be marked by dedication, kindness, service, and an unwavering love for family and friends. Larry received his education through Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Western High School in January 1961. In October 1963, he was drafted into the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country, including time in Vietnam. He returned home in October 1967, carrying with him the experiences and memories of his military service. 

Determined to continue his education, Larry enrolled at Wayne State University using his G.I. Bill benefits. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in December 1977, an accomplishment that reflected his commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. Larry began his professional career at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company in January 1968. Starting in Night Order Customer Service, he worked diligently and advanced through several positions, including Section Chief, Customer Service Supervisor, and Career Counselor in Human Resources. Through hard work and dedication, Larry built a successful 30-year career before retiring. 

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Larry. He continued doing what he loved by sharing his knowledge and serving his community. He became an Assistant Librarian at the Inkster Library, where he remained until 2019. He then continued his library career at the Caroline Kennedy Library in Dearborn Heights, where he worked until his final retirement in 2021. Larry truly believed in staying active, contributing to his community, and making each day meaningful. 

On February 28, 1998, Larry married his soulmate, Anne Marie. Together, they shared 28 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, companionship, and adventure. They enjoyed traveling together, creating beautiful memories in places such as Hawaii, Florida, Mississippi, Myrtle Beach, and Gatlinburg, just to name a few. 

Larry had a special love for camping and treasured the time spent outdoors with family and friends. Halloween camping was especially dear to him, as he enjoyed celebrating the season and making lasting memories with those he loved. He also enjoyed playing baseball, tennis, and, of course, bowling. A devoted sports enthusiast, Larry was a loyal fan of his hometown teams, cheering on the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions, and, most importantly, his beloved Detroit Tigers. 

Above all, Larry will be remembered for the kind of person he was. He was caring, gentle, patient, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and never seemed too busy to spend time with family and friends. His generous heart extended to animals as well. Larry never hesitated to welcome a pet into his home, and at one point, his family included two dogs and five cats. His home was truly a place where everyone, furry friends included, had a place to belong. 

Larry's love for family and community was evident in the many ways he gave of himself. He was a registered Girl Scout and proudly served as a chaperone on numerous field trips. He even earned the special title of "Cookie Dad." In one memorable effort to support Troop 49's fundraising goals, Larry rented a U-Haul truck to transport countless boxes of Girl Scout cookies, helping the troop earn a trip to Maui, Hawaii. This was just one example of Larry's willingness to go above and beyond for the people and causes he cared about. 

Larry's life was a beautiful example of dedication, generosity, and unconditional love. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, loyal friend, and a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and warmth to those fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. 

Larry leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 28 years, Anne Marie; his son, Larry "Skeet" Mills Jr.; his stepdaughter, Joyce (LaDon) Farmer; his granddaughter, LaKayla (fiancé Masud Shamsid-deen); his grandson, Cameron Jones; and his great-grandson, Micah Asadi Shamsid-deen. He also leaves his half-sister, Marcia Durham; mother-in-law Judy Miruzzi, sisters-in-law, Angeline Miruzzi-Cooney (John), Christine (Richard) Schulkey, Elizabeth Miruzzi-Ross (Bill), and Francesca Pierzecki (the late Mark); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory. 

Larry was preceded in death by: his mother, Alease Bowens; his stepfather, Dennis Bowens; his father, George Mills; his brothers, Richard, Steve, and Curtis Mills; his sister, Janice Asford; his half-sister, Marilynn Mills; his father-in-law, Emmanuel Miruzzi; his brothers-in-law, Gregory Miruzzi and Mark Pierzecki; and his best friend, Elton Swain. 

Though Larry's earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of love, kindness, service, and devotion will live on through the many lives he touched. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who will forever be grateful for the time they shared with him. Rest peacefully, Larry. You will be loved, remembered, and missed always.

Visitation, Friday, November 13, 2026, 2-8pm with a 7pm Scripture Service at the John N. Santeiu & Son, Inc., 1139 N. Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill). In state Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:30am until the 10am Funeral Service at St. Genevieve - St. Maurice Catholic Parish, 29015 Jamison Street, Livonia (east of Middlebelt south of 5 Mile).