Birth Date: 12/07/1941
Deceased Date: 09/02/2024
David Lee Lawrence, Sr. (Dave), age 82, passed away at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield on Monday, September 2, 2024 after a courageous 10-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on December 7, 1941, in Roanoke, Virginia, to the late Lynn and Lena Lawrence.
Dave is also preceded in death by Jane Carraway Lawrence, his wife of 58 years, who passed in January, 2023.
The family will receive visitors at Parrish Funeral Home on Sunday, September 15 from 3-4PM.
Dave is survived by son, David Lee Lawrence Jr. and wife Heather of Clayton; grandson, Tabor Lee Lawrence of Clayton; and sister, Bonnie Swaney of Greensboro.
After attending elementary school in Roanoke, VA, Dave and his family moved to Burbank, CA where he attended Junior High while his father worked as an electrician on the sets of numerous TV studios for several years.
The family relocated to Greensboro, NC and Dave attended Grimsley High School where he played football and basketball. Following high school, he played baseball for one season while attending Guilford College.
He served for 6 years in the US Army Reserves as a Field Artillery Crewman attaining the rank of Sergeant.
He met his wife to be, Jane, in Greensboro and after they were married, they settled there while Dave worked in the Aviation Industry in purchasing for many years. The family moved to Washington, NC in 1980 and Dave worked in purchasing for the City of Washington starting a career in local government which lasted for over three decades.
His career included positions with The Town of Smithfield, NC, Town of Clayton, NC and City of Monroe, NC before retirement. Dave and Jane moved to Smithfield, NC to be closer to family in 2015.
Dave was an avid sports fan, especially baseball, football and hockey. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandson.
Dave’s love of travel and sports began at an early age when he traveled with family friends from Virgina to Milwaukee, WI when he was 13 to attend the 1958 World Series, attend a Packers football game and a University of Wisconsin football game.
At 18 Dave and a childhood friend traveled cross county from Greensboro, NC where they spent a Summer working in Anchorage, AK at a fishing camp.
Over the years, Dave along with his wife and family traveled to Canada, Hawaii (to see App State play football), New York, Florida, Virigina, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, and countless trips to the NC mountains, Outer Banks and tons of college football and basketball games.
Dave was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed!
Online condolences may be left for the family at parrishfh.com.
