Larry Covin, Sr.

Obituary For Larry Covin, Sr.

Larry Donell Covin, Sr., affectionately known as L.D., was born on January 23, 1938, to the late Luke and Para Lee Covin in Albany, Georgia.

As a child Larry suffered from asthma; a story he retold frequently throughout his life, serving as the antecedent to his testimony of how—in his own words, the preacher at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church prayed for him and he was healed from his asthma. This was an important event in his faith formation and was foundational in his religious experience for the rest of his life; and informing his membership at Faith Baptist Tabernacle Church, Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Larry is an alumnus of the Albany School System having graduated from the Monroe High School. As well, he was an ardent supporter of his “beloved’” Albany State College (University) Golden Rams. How he loved the Blue & Gold. Until the very end he was able to sing The Albany State University Alma Mater by Gladys Ward McCullough Sapp, ‘46.

As a young man, Larry was part of what has become known in American History as The Great migration circa 1916-1970, which witnessed some five to six million African Americans migrate to the North from Southern States, seeking an alternative to the Jim Crow laws and culture of segregation. This pilgrimage would lead Larry to the Jersey Shore town of Long Branch, New Jersey. It was at this time that he would meet his eventual wife Isabelle Brown. This union would produce four children; Christopher Lee Covin, Larry Donell Covin, Jr., Gail Marie Covin and Wendy Ann Covin.

Larry’s career was in the chemical industry. He served for thirty years, as a paraprofessional Chemical Engineer, with both M&T Chemicals and Ciba-Geigy Chemical Corporation. He was most proud of his employment and eventual retirement from these companies.

L.D. loved to travel around the United States. He loved the game of football, a passion he shared and passed on to his son and grandsons. He was an amateur singer (and boy could he sing), and sang in the church choir and quartets, both in his youth and as an adult. One of his pleasures was the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Larry will be fondly remembered for his many sayings and clichés!! Some of which are etched upon our minds and hearts; “Do It While You’re Young” “I Haven’t Had Anything This Good Since The War” “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Do It For You” “Oh Brother” “Se Ya” (when he wanted you to leave) “I Need My Stuff” (cookies and soda) “Possum and Collard Greens” and others inappropriate for print.

He leaves to mourn his passing his four children referenced earlier; their spouses—Larry and Gloria Covin, Chris and Nelia Covin, Wendy and Nathan Jordan, his daughter in law Gloria Covin who cared for him his last five years of life, three sisters—Eloise McRoy, Martha Dukes, Easter Mae Hamilton, ten grandchildren (Special Relationship with Larry III and Joel whom he spent his last years with), three granddaughter-in-laws; Yvonne Covin, Aashia Covin, Luz Covin. five great grandchildren and one due in October. Larry was preceded in death by many sisters and brothers.

-Dr. Larry Donell Covin, Jr.