Obituary of Larry Michael Dollins

On the evening of April 9, 2024, Larry "Waco" Michael Dollins passed away peacefully due to a lengthy illness. Larry was 73 years old.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Christy Dollins. Two sons, Lucas (Linayea) Dollins and Clint (Christy) Dollins. Granddaughter, Ellie Dollins (his pride and joy). Brother, Bob (Debbie) Dollins, Sister, Susan (Bob) Dollins. Brother-in-law, William Scott Perry. Nieces, Leslie (Carlos) Ferreira, Tatiana (Ryan) Van Noy, and Hanah and Madison Perry. Nephews, Steven (Gina) Snoke, Aunjel (Heather) Perry and Logan Perry. As well as multiple great nieces and nephews. Larry's "boys" Jonovan (Addie) Hawkins and Michael (Lexie) Hawkins. Larry's "ride or die" best friend, John (Kim) Hawkins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Leslie Dollins and Emma Dollins.

Larry lived the first 40 years of his life in Salinas, CA in Monterey County. He was a Union carpenter by trade. He graduated from North Salinas High School in 1968 and went on to Hartnell College. He was a member of the wresting team in high school as well as the gymnastics, football and baseball teams. Larry continued wrestling in college and accomplished taking third in the state. As an adult, Larry also enjoyed playing on the fastpitch softball league in Salinas with many of his friends that he grew up with.

In 1990, Larry and his family left Salinas and moved to Pioneer, CA in Amador County. Larry's family had property here for many years prior on the Mokelumne River. Here, Larry was a member of Amador County Sherriff Search and Rescue (SAR) team on the Hasty Unit. This was a rapid deployment team that has the ability to quickly and efficiently search an area prior to the arrival of other teams. Members possess training and experience in a variety of SAR disciplines and can handle challenging environments of the SAR mission. He was very proud to serve our community in this way and even more proud when they were successful in bringing a lost individual home to their families.

One of Larry's greatest career accomplishments was when he went back to school in his mid 40's and became a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. He was duly appointed and sworn in by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in 1995 as a Tribal Police Officer for the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians. He moved up in rank to became a Sergeant. This enabled him to live out a lifelong dream and he became the Range Master, as well as a Firearms Instructor.

Larry enjoyed going camping, fishing, hiking and anything outdoors. He was an avid hunter and had many great adventures doing what he loved with his sons, his "boys", nephew, sister, brother, and best friend. He was also a keen inventor. Always having something in the works. One of his favorite inventions was what he called the "Beez Master", a heavy duty fly/bee swatter with a solid leather flap on a wooden holder.  All of us who were lucky enough to receive one still have it and use it to this day.

Larry was most proud of his two sons. He loved them unconditionally. He taught them everything he knew about life, the outdoors, and survival skills. Larry was also fortunate enough to have been able to add two daughters-in-law, who he loved very much and thought of as his own. Above all, he wanted them all to know he believed in Jesus Christ. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. We all miss Larry ... his presence, his humor, his laugh and his never ending jokes and stories. But we know we will see him again.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Please join us to celebrate the life of Larry Dollins. We would love for you to  bring your fondest memories of Larry to share with family and friends. If your unable to join us,  feel free to share those memories here on the guest book.

Wednesday, April 17

Services will be at 11:00 a.m.

Amador Memorial Cemetery

25999 State Highway 88, Pioneer, CA 95666

Reception immediately following

at Gibson’s Roadhouse Cafe

27649 ca-88

Pioneer, CA  95666