Larry Malone

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Larry Payne Malone

Larry was the first-born child of Robert and Mildred Malone. He was born on October 17, 1955, in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. After his birth, he had three siblings, Dennis, Robert, and Connie. In 1960, the family relocated to San Diego, California. Larry attended Sherman Elementary, Memorial Jr. High, San Diego High, and then transferred to Abraham Lincoln, where he graduated in 1974. Following high school graduation, he enrolled at San Diego City College to begin his studies with a focus on Black History.

At the age of 10, Larry was baptized, and his family joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Robert C. Williams. He actively participated in Sunday School, Youth Usher Board, and Youth Choir. In 1988, he was licensed and ordained as a minister to preach the word of Jesus Christ by Rev. R.C. Williams. Later, in 1994, he joined Manna Church under the leadership of the late Elder Gerald Miller, where he served as a deacon and minister. Subsequently, in 1999, Larry became a member of New Creation Non-Denominational Church under the leadership of Rev. Reginald Gary and current leadership, Pastor Brent Murphy.

Larry’s first summer job at the age of 14 was as a printer at the Chula Vista Education Center in the printing department, where he worked for two summers. By the age of 16, he was employed at the Golden Hills Recreation Center as a Recreational Aide. At 17, he began working for the San Diego Historical Society as a caretaker at the Villa Montezuma. He received two promotions, advancing from a Community Project Assistant to a Community Project Director. In this role, he was responsible for organizing community events and historical exhibits. Larry created over 50 different exhibits, with his most notable works being “Blacks in the American Revolution,” “Blacks in the Western Movement,” and “Black Pioneers in San Diego.” The latter exhibit led Larry to co-author the book “Black Pioneers in San Diego 1880-1920.”

In 1991, Larry commenced work at the YMCA as an Art Director, where he developed an arts and crafts program for elementary school-age children. Subsequently, in 1992, he began working for San Diego Youth Services as a gang case manager, overseeing youth referred by the juvenile court system. He later earned a promotion to director, overseeing a storefront that provided shelter for homeless teens and runaways.

Larry faced challenges in his life, notably in 1995 when he made the decision to enter CRASH, a rehabilitation program for alcohol and substance abuse. He successfully completed the program that same year. Larry often expressed gratitude to his recovery family “Keep it Real on the Hill” and his sponsor, Richard Steptoe. Following his graduation from CRASH, he worked at Center Court, a halfway house for adults, as a court liaison, assessing incarcerated clients.

In 1988, Larry married Rozelyn Harris. From this union, they had a daughter, Lena Eliza Malone. On February 14, 1998, Larry married the love of his life, Faye Brooks. In 1999, Larry and Faye joined New Creation Non-Denominational Church. Larry actively participated in the weekly Brotherhood Men’s Group and served as an usher until his illness.

In 1998, Larry assumed the role of Co-Director at Triple Crown under the directorship of Ray Smith. In this position, Larry mentored young adults, facilitated employment opportunities, and supervised staff.

In 2001, Larry founded the Focus Project, an organization aimed at mentoring youth and providing counseling to troubled teens in the San Diego Unified School District. That same year, he was appointed as the director of the Tubman-Chavez Center by the late Councilman Charles L. Lewis.

Throughout his life, Larry was involved in various community organizations and initiatives, including co-founding Black Men United, Black Writers and Artists (1991), co-chairing the San Diego Black History Committee (1983), serving as a member of the San Diego Historical Board (1975-1976, 1999-2001), being a member of the Sherman Heights Community Board (1983-1986), participating in the San Diego Education Committee under the San Diego Urban League (2000), and co-founding Chat ‘n Chew (2001).

Since his early teenage years, Larry’s primary focus has been on his involvement in and knowledge of the history and culture of the San Diego African American community. Some of his many contributions, awards and accomplishments include:

-Co-author of “Black Pioneers of San Diego. 1880-1920” (1981)

-Creator of “Who’s Who in the San Diego Black Community” (2003-2004)

-Creator of “Who’s Who in the African American San Diego Community” (2004)

-Recipient of Jackie Robinson’s Community Award (2002)

-Black Writer’s Achievement Award (2000)

-National Endowment of the Humanities grant recipient (2000)

-Key to San Diego City presented by the late Charles Lewis (2002)

Larry’s parents Mildred (2022) and Robert, and his sister Connie (2019), preceded him in death. Larry is survived by his devoted wife Faye, his daughter Lena (Dalton), son Eric (Chalae), brothers Dennis (Shondel) and Robert, grandchildren Karel, Kurtis and Kimora, godchildren Serenity Gaulden, and Shawna Mackson, Aunts Shirley Shannon, Debra McNary and Lelya Sampson, sisters-in-law Carolyn Provost, Susan Gonzalez, brother-in-law Leon Brooks Jr., his best friends forever Wade Bradley, Ronald Denmon and James (Capone) Williams, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.