Dr. Lawrence

DR. THOMAS ADAIR LAWRENCE

WEAVERVILLE - Dr. Thomas Adair Lawrence peacefully passed to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 12:05 p.m., at his lovely mountain home in Weaverville, North Carolina, just ever so shy of his 90th great year on this Earth. Upon his ascension to the higher calling, Tom was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Weaverville congregation. Tom, also affectionately known as "Moose", was a consummate husband, father, teacher, educator, administrator, minister and general all-around one of a kind gentleman, humanitarian, philosopher, scholar and humorist. While he will be incredibly missed, his bodily suffering was mercifully and quietly remedied by the grace of the Almighty. His life was both varied and bountiful. The following is a greatly reduced but representative snapshot of the salient aspects of his life:

1. Survivors: Jan: Devoutly Devoted Wife of 32 years and beloved pets Benji and Buffy; Children: Mike (wife: Kathie), Julia (partner: Martha), Kim (wife: Annchen), Jon (wife: Amanda), MaryAnn (husband: Erik), and Roland (wife: April); Grandchildren: Samantha, Matthew (wife: Lindsey), Wesley (wife: Meredith), Susanna (husband: Shane); Haley, Tristan, Zane, Liam, and Lorelei, and Jennifer (husband: David); Great Grandchildren: Sheridan, Nickolas, Maddox and Stella; Nephew: Clark (wife Brenda and daughter Kaley); Rick (deceased) (wife Sara); Niece: Lana. Beloved Cousins: Rev Dennis Huffaker and Herbert W. Woodson; and multiple other relatives in addition to relatives of Betty Day Lawrence (first wife).

2. Birth: August 21, 1925, Avoca, Texas.

3. Biographic Highlights:

Educated and worked on parents' farm in Avoca, Texas.

Bravely and proudly served in U.S. Navy as Radioman 3/C on Minesweeper USS Oracle AM 103 1944-1946 with top secret clearance.

Worked with mother in oil field sample cut business.

Earned BS and MEd from Hardin - Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.

Celebrated 35 years of marriage to Betty Ray Day until her death
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Ordained in Noodle, Texas and attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Professor at Hardin-Simmons University 5+ years.

Received PhD and MA from University of Texas in 1967.

Pastor of various adoring and grateful Baptist Church congregations in California, Kansas and Texas.

Educator for 57+ years, including serving as Executive Director of Region XIV Education Service Center for 22+ years.

Recipient of numerous education awards including Jud Prentiss Award for National Outstanding Director of Education Service Centers and Founder of The Association of Rural Educators.

Presiding minister to dozens of recipients of marriage vows, including all of his children and four of his grandchildren.

Sage and appreciated presiding minister for many funerals, memorials, renewal of vows, revivals and homecomings.

Post-Retirement Educational Consultant, consultant, superintendent and advisor for various Texas schools and educational agencies.

Life-Long dispenser of abundant kindness, witticisms, wisdom and gentle advice to all those who asked or were lucky enough to know him.

Celebrated 32 Years of marriage with Jan Wolf Lawrence

Dr. Lawrence's Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 22, 2015, in the Chapel of Elmwood Funeral Home. Visitation will be one Hour prior to the service. Presiding Ministers are: Dr. James L. McCoy of First Baptist Church, Weaverville, North Carolina, Rev. Dennis Huffaker of Avoca Methodist Church and Minister of Music, Mrs. Jane McCoy also of Weaverville. Private burial immediately following the Memorial Service will be at Elmwood Memorial Park. Contact information for family will be available through the services of Elmwood Funeral Home.

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