Eric J. Dorsey, Sr.

Eric Jabbar Dorsey, Sr. was one-of-a-kind. Born on Independence Day, July 4, 1972 to Mary Dorsey and LC Haynes, Sr., he was destined to be his own man. On Saturday, April 24, 2021, God called his name and Eric received his complete healing.

He grew up in the church and was baptized by his grandfather, the late Dr. James L. Dorsey, Sr. at Greater Freewill Missionary Baptist Church. With a voice that was smooth like butter, he had no choice but to sing in the choir. At age 4, he started dressing himself and picking his own Easter suits. Even as a child he was fly, with an eye for fashion and his own style.

Eric attended Buena Vista Public Schools before moving to Minnesota. He graduated from Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota; he worked several jobs, including UPS, line cook and cable installer. When sickness deterred his ability to work, he became an entrepreneur, working in real estate as a Project Manager. His physical disability never stopped his sharp mind from working.

When he wasn’t taking care of business, Eric enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, who loved and adored him. Playing spades and tunk, talking junk, telling stories, singing, and quoting movie lines were bound to happen at every family function, and these moments always brought him such joy. But his greatest joys were his two children, Eric Jr. “Peanut” and Emya. He was a dedicated father above anything else and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids. His love for them was shown every day in how cared for them and showered them with attention.

Eric had a smile like no other. His smile reached his eyes, was bright like the sun and made women weak in the knees. He possessed a certain charm and charisma that made you want to honor his every request.

For fifteen years Eric battled kidney disease. For fifteen years, Eric fought the good fight and he never complained. He never gave up. He pushed through sickness and pain like a champion. He won his battle, and he now has the victory. A victory lap is a term used in motorsports to describe an extra lap of the racetrack after the conclusion of a race. This lap, driven at reduced speed, allows the winning driver to celebrate their victory and gives the spectators an opportunity to congratulate and honor the competitors. Eric, today we salute you, celebrate your victory and we honor you. Take your rest and enjoy your victory lap.

Awaiting Eric at heaven’s gates were his father, LC Haynes, Sr.; stepfather, Howard Reedy, Sr.; grandparents, Dr. James and Ella Dorsey; cousins, Tracey Dorsey and Venisha Combs; many great-aunts and great-uncles.

He leaves to celebrate his life and memory two children, Eric Jr. and Emya Dorsey; mother, Mary Reedy; siblings, Howard Jr., Michael (Samaria), Jamie and Jessica Reedy, Andreus Sr. (Kanshelle) Dorsey; half-siblings, Linda Tyler, L.C. Jr., Monte, Lula Haynes, Tyler Moncrief; aunts and uncles, Lillie Dorsey, Minister Mildred Dorsey Bell, James II (Angela) Dorsey, Lorane Dorsey, Annette (Victor) McMillan, Leroy Dorsey, Michael Reedy; nieces and nephews, Justin, Michaela, Michael Jr., Mariah, Jeremiah, Abdoulaye, Cameron, Hakim; cousins, Ericka, Tynsley (Pastor Andreas Sr.), Monique, Denita, Stephanie (Rob), Sylvester II (Pashanta), Andrea, Brittany, Asia, Jada; many other relatives and friends including favorite cousin Kareem Gaskew “Jedell” and close friends, Clarence Brown “Midget”, Andre Wiggins, Ron Coleman, Earl Jones, Torrey Smith and special friend, Marea Perry.

The family would like to express special thanks to St. Mary’s EMTs, Davita Dialysis, Pastor Roy and Beatrice Manning, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.

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