by 
Lawrence “Larry” Brickey, 66, died Saturday, May 9, 2015, at his home in Bessemer, AL, surrounded by his family and following a long battle with cancer.
He leaves his wife of 40 years, Alane (Winslow) Brickey, Bessemer, AL; his Dad, H.E. “Gene” Copeland, McPherson, KS; his children, Rebel Williams, McPherson, KS, Larry Robert Brickey (Lisa) Savage, MN, Lavina Donlin (Abraham Sr.) Hoover, AL, Leslie Brickey Bryant, Superior, AZ and R. Michelle Ernest (Ben), Hoover, AL; grandchildren, Kenneth Perry, Denise Perry, Brittony Hanes, Lois Hanes, Kevin Brickey, Trevor Brickey, Nikolas Donlin, Abraham Donlin, Jr., Celestina Donlin, Cal Bryant (Dawn), Salina Bryant, Roman Otero and Kaidyn Ernest; great-grandchildren, Tyler Bryant, Olivia Townsend, Peyton Bryant, Cal Bryant, Jr., Danika Bryant and Zachary Bryant. Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert Brickey and Nora Olive Brickey; his parents, Grace Elizabeth (nee Carey) Copeland and Roy Adrian Brickey.
Born in Lordsburg, NM, on Dec. 13, 1948, to Roy and Betty (nee Carey) Brickey. Larry lived in Lordsburg with his parents and grandparents, Hubert Harvey Brickey and Nora Olive (nee White). In some ways, the early years were hard for Larry. While he never went hungry, Larry’s father’s income was sporadic and family finances were tight.
When he was still a boy, his mother left Lordsburg to earn a living in Gallup, NM. As a result, Larry’s care would shift from his mother to his father to his grandparents over the years.
Growing up, Larry developed an avid interest in cars, mechanics and the mechanical workings of everything around him. He graduated from Bowie High School and soon moved to McPherson, KS, to live with his mother, now divorced, and remarried to Gene Copeland.
Larry’s teens and 20s were “spirited,” as some might say. He loved to race cars, hang out with his buddies and sharpen his God-given talent at playing pool. He was also known far and wide as a jack of all trades who, if he couldn’t fix it, he would build it.
As you hear more of Larry’s later years, it is with deep admiration that we recognize his ability to transcend the hard times. It is a testament to his strong will to pull himself out of circumstances that would have left unspeakable scars on a lesser person. Over the years, he started several businesses, but truly relished the friends he made during his time in business.
The best gift we could all give to honor Larry’s memory is to live life courageously, dedicate ourselves to the happiness of others and find glory in God and family for years to come.
A Celebration of Life honoring Larry Brickey was held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Hunter Street Baptist Church, Hoover Alabama.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by