Lawrence "Larry" Dale Nies

Lawrence (Larry) Dale Nies, age 60, from Holland, MI, was freed from the chains of addiction by his Lord on September 8, 2020 in Atlanta, GA.

Larry was born on July 9, 1960 in Detroit, MI and considered himself a true friend to all of the people he met throughout his life.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Nies, sister Terry, niece Stacy, and preceded in death by his father Harvey Nies.

Many knew Larry only through the lens of the addictions he battled for years. That wasn’t the real Larry though, and those fortunate enough to truly know him immediately recognized him as one who would help a friend in need, one who ended nearly every conversation with those he cared for with “love you,” and one who considered his close friends to be like brothers and sisters, which he often called them. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and his mother and he could relate to anyone and make anyone feel joy, and he was loved by many.

But the chains that bound him were stronger than anything he could do on his own. He fought this battle for years, and truly sought God’s help during the struggle. He knew Jesus Christ as his Savior, and in the end, it was He who finally decided Larry struggled enough and brought him home peacefully. Larry spent the last months ensuring those he loved knew it and he was optimistic about a new start in life down in Atlanta, GA. He did finally start a new life, and though it’s not the one he was planning it is far better and eternal and he can rest in peace.

Larry loved golfing and watching all sports especially football. He loved helping take care of his mother’s dog Holly and giving her special Snickers treats at night before he tucked her into bed (as if it was his own child). He was spirited and outspoken but would do anything for anyone and always lit up the room with his smile and sense of humor even while struggling with his own demons.

A service is not planned due to the Corona Virus and several friends living out of town. His ashes will be sent to his mother in Charlotte, NC and she will have a part of the ashes of him placed in a beautiful piece of jewelry for a keepsake for herself in addition to his beautiful urn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Larry’s name be made to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration)-Mental Health America at: https://www.mhanational.org/tags/samhsa and/or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/ to help others who are struggling with addiction and suicidal thoughts. Larry’s legacy through his battle was to never give up, and by his example he would encourage anyone else to do the same.