JOSEPH M. LAWRENCE
July 21, 1928-March 18, 2017
Joseph Monroe Lawrence, 88, Goldsboro, passed away early Saturday morning at Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Joseph lost his father at an early age and lived his young life much like Huckleberry Finn. He will be remembered by his family as a self-taught reliant man. Before the age of 15, Joseph joined the Merchant Marines and later joined the United States Army. He also served his country as a mechanic in the United States Air Force and retired after 20 years of service as a technical sergeant.
Joseph will always be remembered for his incredible intelligence and his patriotism. His valor and skill was recognized with numerous decorations.
Joseph also served his community as a member of Pine Forest United Methodist Church and the Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 340 A.F. & A.M.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Pine Forest United Methodist Church followed by a service celebrating Joseph's life at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, with the Rev. Madison Hankal officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.
Joseph is survived by his children, Georgia Louise Lavarreda and husband, Carlos, Nona Jo Wilson and husband, Jim, Hannah Dixon and husband, Wayne, George Albert Bunn and wife, Yvonne, Don Bunn, and Marty Fitzhugh and husband, Pat; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Luta Belle Lawrence and Louise Styron Lawrence; parents, Bateman Farrow Lawrence and Nona Ruth Lawrence; granddaughter, Samantha Jo Dixon; and siblings, Lula Caston, Bateman Lawrence, Scenie Hendy, and Nellie Hamilton.
Although flowers are welcome, memorials may be made to Pine Forest United Methodist Church, 867 N.C. Hwy. 581 South, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530 or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C., 27534.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on March 19, 2017 12:36 PM