Mr. Leon Lawrence, I

Mr. Leon Lawrence, I passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Tallahassee, Florida.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at New Gardners COGIC with Supt. Evan Brown officiating. Interment will be held in the Georgia Veteran Memorial Cemetery.

He was born on December 27, 1954 to the parentage of the late Mr. Irving Jack Lawrence and Evangelist Dorothy Kelsey Lawrence.

At an early age he accepted Christ and joined New Gardners COGIC.

Mr. Lawrence was a graduate of Washington County High School class of 1973. He excelled in football and wrestling while in high school. Even winning a state championship in wrestling. After graduating he attended Southeastern University of Louisiana on a wrestling scholarship. Afterwards he relocated to Dade County, Florida.

He was a talented musician who enjoyed singing and playing the piano. He was also known for being an amateur astronomer. In 1978, Leon enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent fifteen years as an active duty sailor. He also wrestled for the Navy.

While stationed and living in Florida, he was ordained as a minister at Southside COGIC in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Lawrence leaves to cherish his memories, his wife: Mrs. Florence I. Lawrence, Tennille, Georgia; three children: Mr. Ricardo (Fenicia) Lawrence, Sandersville, Georgia, Ms. Phoebe Lawrence, Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Leon Lawrence, II, Tennille, Georgia; three sisters: Ms. Shirley King, Mrs. Pearlie (Supt. Evans) Brown, Sr., Macon, Georgia; Mrs. Marian (Johnny) Burnett, Sr., Jacksonville, Florida; three brothers: Mr. Albert James (Gail) Lawrence, Macon, Georgia, Mr. Irving Lawrence, Mr. David Michael Lawrence, Macon, Georgia; mother-in-law: Mrs. Earlie Mae Fuller, Sandersville, Georgia; ten grandchildren; one great grandchild; a host of other relatives and friends. M. C. Smith Funeral Home in charge.