Lawrence William O'Rear

Born on November 6, 1945, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lawrence was the son of the late Raymond Dewey O’Rear and Mary Frances Petty O’Rear. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Norma Jean Freeman, and an infant brother.

Lawrence dedicated many years of service to the Electric Power Board, from which he retired. He was a proud member of Brainerd Masonic Lodge No. 736 F&AM and the Alhambra Shrine in Chattanooga. His faith was important to him, and he was a faithful member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church.

In his free time, Lawrence found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, cheering on dirt track racing, and passionately supporting the Tennessee Volunteers football team. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.

Lawrence is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Martha O’Rear, of Ooltewah, Tennessee. He leaves behind three loving children: Jacquelyn Moore of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Larry O’Rear (Tina) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Missy Fryar (Kevin) of Ooltewah, Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to Dylan, Tanner, Walker, and Alayna, and a cherished great-grandfather to Hensley. He is also survived by five siblings: Edna Jones (Scott) of Ooltewah, Tennessee; David O’Rear (Paula) of Middle Valley, Tennessee; Tommy O’Rear (Cindy) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Mary Kay (David) of Ringgold, Georgia; and Margie Sloan of Ringgold, Georgia, along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, with Rev. Sam Cravatt officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens – East.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, Valley View Chapel, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.