LAWRENCE ANTHONY MIDDLETON, son of the late
Lawrence Richard Middleton and Gladys Partlow Middleton,
was born on January 24, 1942 in Baltimore, Maryland. He
departed this life on January 9, 2014.

Larry received his education at Sollers Point High School
in Turner Station. After high school, Larry enlisted in the
military where he served in the United States Army. There
he learned that he was an exceptional boxer. In the Army, he
honed his boxing skills and fought worldwide.

Larry joined in holy matrimony with his high school
sweetheart, his former wife Gloria Jean Harris. From this union four children were born,
Lawrence (Antonio) and Angela along with twins, Darlene (Cookie), and Arlene (Candie),
who were born the same year as his first professional bout in 1965. The family later
moved from Turner Station to Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Larry, also known as "Champ," was well-known for his outstanding boxing career,
which continued after he retired from the military. At the height of his career, from 1965
to 1978, he was ranked among the top 10 heavyweights worldwide. His record speaks
for itself: he won 23 bouts including 14 by knockout. Ten fights ended with a loss and
10 ended in a draw. Fighting out of the famed, late Baltimore-based trainer Mack Lewis'
gym, he won 19 straight bouts from 1966 to 1972, including a decision in England over
champion Joe Bugner in 1971. Larry also fought other prominent heavyweights including
Ron Lyle, Jimmy Ellis, Oscar Bonavena, Duane Bobick, Ken Norton and Jerry Quarry.

After his boxing career, Larry continued to fight - this time his opponents were
violence and drug activity in the former Murphy Homes public housing development
in the late 1980s. He trained young boxers from the "Operation Champ" program to
keep youth off the streets. He used his influence in the boxing community to mentor
many including Leon Fitzgerald, director of the Upton Boxing Center; Marvin McDowell,
the owner of Umar Boxing, who became the first boxer he trained, inducted in the
Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame; and Warren "Chico" Thompson, who became the first
Super Heavyweight National Champion.

Larry's father affectionately called him "The Dreamer." He had a passion to change
the world and was devoted to entrepreneurial endeavors, possessing a business acumen
he passed on to his children. Larry pursued multiple business ventures that offered
employment opportunities and encouraged many to pursue their dreams and goals.

Larry became a draftsman for a large architectural firm on Charles St. With his
architectural skills he designed his former church home, the Mount Olive Baptist Church
in Turner Station. His passion for cooking landed him an appearance on reporter Dan
Rodricks' morning television show and led him to open a restaurant inside the Shake
n' Bake Family Center. He also illustrated a children's book titled, "The Black History
ABC's."

Larry was a positive, inspiring person with a big smile and heart. He left an imprint
on many hearts wherever he went. He made many friends during his journey. He was
a devoted father, loving brother, uncle, cousin, friend and family man, very humble,
compassionate, loving and believed in leading by example. In his early years, he became a
member at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Turner Station, St. John's U.M. Church and often
worshipped at various churches. He was baptized and gave his heart to the Lord. In his
latter years, Larry enjoyed going to church with his daughters.

Even in illness he often complimented people by telling them, "You're a good
person." Larry enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and his family.
He continued attending community events and boxing matches. Larry's hobbies included
dancing, playing chess and pinochle.

He leaves to continue his legacy and cherish fond memories: one son, Lawrence
Antonio Middleton; three daughters, Angela Middleton-Cornish (Clifton Cornish, [r.),
Darlene Lawson "Cookie" (Todd Lawson), Arlene Roland "Candie" (Horace Roland); four
brothers, James Queen, Eugene Middleton, Glenard Middleton Sr. and Jimm Middleton;
three sisters-in-law, Alma Queen, Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton and Cynthia
Middleton; eleven grandchildren, Thomas Goodman, III, Ondrea Ward, Devin Middleton,
Jasmine Fisher Bruce, Candace Goodman, Ladonna Lawson, Michael Lawson, Clifton
Cornish III, Nathaniel Middleton, Simira Middleton and Jonathan Roland; four great­
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends, including
his Aunt Sadie L. Barnett, the family matriarch at ninety-seven years young.