Obituary of Earl Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Earl, age 78, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Saviour on the evening of October 1st surrounded by his family. Known by friends as “The Crappie King” and to family as “Papa,” Earl was born in Hayesville, TN on June 20, 1937 to Ira Lawrence and Edna Hires Lawrence. He married his sweetheart, Patricia Ann Medley, on November 17, 1956 in Rossville, Georgia. He was a humble, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Before retirement, he exhibited his hard work ethic while employed for 40 years by Third National/Sun Trust Banks. He was an avid crappie fisherman with a heart for fishing, Vanderbilt Commodores, farming, hunting, and family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, giving, and compassion. Earl was preceded in death by parents, Ira and Edna Lawrence; sister, Minnie Murl Lawrence; and daughter-in-law, Vicky Lawrence. Earl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Lawrence; brother, Gerald Lawrence (Faye); three children, Retired Colonel Steve Lawrence, Lisa Wright (Bill), and Teresa Pulliam; his grandchildren, Ryan Lawrence, Ashley Lawrence, Jason Tucker, Shaun Tucker, Anna Wright, Whitney Wright, and April Kring (Shawn); great-grandchildren, Landon Lawhorn and his little buddies, Carter, Caleb, and Caden Kring. The family will be receiving friends at Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet on Sunday, October 4th from 4-8 p.m. and on Monday, October 5th from 10:00 am until the service at 11:00 am. The Funeral Service, officiated by Randy Cook, will be followed by interment in Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers: Colonel Steve Lawrence, Ryan Lawrence, Jason Tucker, Shaun Tucker, Shawn Kring, and Jerry Glenn Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Wright, Carter Kring, Caleb Kring, and Caden Kring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in loving memory of daughter-in-law, Vicky Lawrence. Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com