Michael Ray Dorsey

Michael Dorsey was born, November 15, 1949.  He was the youngest child of the late Paul R. and the late Alice V. Dorsey.   He grew up and was educated in the Washington, DC public school system. Michael was one of the first graduates of Second Genesis Residential Drug Treatment Center.

After graduation from Second Genesis, Michael became a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. There he worked briefly as an electrician helper for Becker Electric. He was proud of the lights he installed in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  In 1978, Michael was selected to work for the Federal Government.  He was 1 of 100 persons competing for 25 jobs. He started as an elevator mechanic at GSA, ICC, & Customs.  As those positions were contracted out, his job was relocated to the Pentagon.  You would often see him throughout the building riding his scooter and honking at everyone saying, “Hello”.  He retired there with over 34 years of service.

More than 40 years ago, he met Etta and later they married.  She always told him, they would be together forever, since her last name Roy was entwined in Dorsey.  Michael already had a son, LaVaughn, and he and Etta had a son, Michael Jr.  Like most parents, Michael was proud and bragged on his sons achievements.  Likewise, he did not hold back on their mistakes.  He was a stern, but loving Dad.  Michael was a husband, son, father, mentor and a great friend.  He was a genuine person, a no-nonsense, straight forward, tell it like it is man. You always knew where you stood with him.  He cared, not only about his family, but about people all over the world.  He always questioned why people did not have equal opportunity, i.e. eating in the best restaurants, living in nice places, traveling to nice destinations.  He felt that everyone should have a fair shot at life. He spent many of his younger days visiting and doing anything that needed to be done for his grandmother Elizabeth “Grandma Lizzie”, who he shared a close bond and relationship with.  When he asked her to come stay with him, she told him he couldn’t see farther than his nose, but he was devoted and visited her constantly in the nursing home, ensuring she had everything she needed.

 Michael was compassionate with a big heart. He would even give you the shirt off his back. He spent many a times lending a helping hand to a neighbor or a friend and many days giving young people that famous “Dorsey Talk”. He was outgoing and would make a friend wherever he would go.  He loved fine cars, especially his, “Stankin’ Lincoln” as he often called his favorite 1995 Lincoln Town Car.  He enjoyed concerts, comedy shows and movies. He liked to try out new restaurants and dress up in stylish clothes; he was famous for his shoes and his neckties which he said “is what brings out the suit”. He liked playing the lottery and traveling a few places. Michael had that “Dorsey Charisma”, which he got from his Dad and “dreamy eyes” (which his neighbor, Ms. Donovan would say).

Survived by devoted wife, Etta, sons LaVaughn & Michael Jr. (Star), brothers Paul (Delores), Leonard “Beep”, Edward & Sister Annette Dorsey. Stepmother Leona “Peaches”, predeceased by father Paul R. and mother Alice V.  Also survived  by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

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