Thomas Earl Lawrence, 85, of Dellwood died Saturday, January 28, 2023, at his home. He was born December 24, 1937, to Pauline and Edna Lawrence, and was the oldest of six children.
He worked to help support his family from an early age. He often told stories about a mule they had when he was at home. He talked about days that he spent following that old mule. His growing up was difficult, just as it was for most everyone during that time. One thing is for sure, he learned how to work.
Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army at the end of the Korean War. He spent time in Korea and often talked about the ship rides there and back. He also talked about how cold the winter was and how poor the people were. He returned home and married the love of his life, Syble Matthews.
His life was consumed with providing for his family. During this time he worked on many of the large construction projects that were going on at that time. This is when he discovered he enjoyed working with wood. He spent 30 years working in the cabinet shop at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee. He excelled at learning how to build cabinets. He built a small cabinet shop at his home during this time. This allowed him to build cabinets for people of his community.
A few things that stand out was this hard-working man had some little-known things that he enjoyed. He really enjoyed watching Roger Federer play tennis. To know him, you would never pick up on him being a fan of tennis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bernice Player, and one brother, Elton Wade Lawrence.
His survivors include his wife of 65 years, Syble; two children, Kevin Lawrence (Shelia); and Kegera Matthews Lawrence; grandson, Silas Charles and granddaughter, Shelby Ramer.
Funeral services will at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Welcome Assembly of God Church in Dellwood, with Revs. Charles Jackson and Steven Subel officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 31, 2023, one hour prior to the funeral service at Welcome Assembly of God Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikes.com
