George Richard Lawrence entered heaven on Monday, April 8th, 2024, at his home with his caregiver by his side. He was born in his home in Alliance, Florida on August 15th, 1924, to Charles A. and Jessie Jackon Lawrence. He grew up in Alliance and attended Alliance School and Marianna High School, graduating in 1943. He worked on the family farm and after graduation became a welder at the Panama City, Florida shipyard. He welded in the belly of the large ships where larger men could not gain access. Afterwards, Mr. Lawrence served proudly as a U.S. Marine in China during World War II. After the War, he attended the Tallahassee Branch of the University of Florida, which is now Florida State University, from 1947 to 1950, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.
Mr. Lawrence served in the Jackson County School System for 38 years, from 1950 until 1988. He was a highly respected educator who always put the students first in his leadership decisions. He was Principal at Cypress School, Magnolia, Dellwood, Campbellton, Greenwood High, Greenwood Elementary, Sneads High (assistant principal), and Sneads Elementary. Many of his former students attribute him with making a great positive impact on their lives, both through his discipline and love.
Mr. Lawrence loved the Lord and his church. Until his health failed, he was a very active member of First United Methodist Church of Marianna. His life was one of faith and service. Prior to joining First Methodist, he held many leadership positions at Bascom United Methodist Church, and taught Sunday School for several years.
As part of his life of service to the Lord and to others, he maintained several rental properties after retirement. In that role, he continued to be a mentor, supporter, and encourager to many underprivileged families.
Mr. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Charles A. (Bubba) Lawrence, John David Lawrence, and Margaret Newsome. Also preceding him in death was his wife and mother of his children, Juanita Boone Lawrence, his second wife, Jean Brown Lawrence, and grandson, Jeffery Tyler.
Survivors include his son, Richard A. Lawrence and wife, Eugenia, daughter, June Mitchell Mays and husband, Larry, and daughter, Kay Lawrence Tyler and husband, Philip. Step-children are Jim Brown and the late Wayne Brown. Grandchildren are Charles Eubanks and wife, Trish, John Tyler and wife, Amanda, Jared Tyler and wife, Kate, LeAnn Lett and husband, Ryan, and Jesse Lawrence. Step-grandchildren are Michael Brown and wife, Anitra and Amy Anderson and husband, Lee. Great-grandchildren are Taylor and Alie Eubanks, Graham and Stone Tyler, John David, Jase, and Jackson Tyler, and Jillian and Ava Lett. Step great-grandchildren are Madison Brown and Payton Anderson. In addition, he is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at First United Methodist Church of Marianna, with Dr. Nathan Attwood officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James and Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, 2024, in the Wesley Center of First United Methodist Church of Marianna.
Flowers will be accepted, or contributions may be made in Mr. Lawrence’s memory to Chipola Christian Ministries in Marianna or a favorite charity.
Very sad to hear this news. Mr Lawrence was the principal at Greenwood Elem when I went there. I saw him many times afterward and he always met me with a big smile and a handshake. I can honestly say that he was one of the nicest men I had the pleasure of knowing. The world could use more Mr Lawrences.