Lawrence Clarence Guyton

Sunrise: April 13, 1927

Sunset: June 30, 2020 Lubbock, Texas

Lawrence Guyton was born in Chapel Hill, Texas, the oldest of four children to Florence and Oran Guyton. The family moved to Lubbock, Texas when he was about four years old. He attended Dunbar High School, and at 17 years old met a girl named Fannie who would later become his wife. After graduation, Lawrence attended Sam Houston College in Austin, and Fannie went to Prairie View. Their relationship blossomed throughout college via letters and occasional visits.

In November 1944, Lawrence was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Ft. Bliss (El Paso) for basic and AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) training. Because the war was ending, he did not have to serve overseas. After he was discharged, he returned to Sam Houston College to complete his education, graduating in August 1952. By this time, the U.S. was engaged in the middle of the Korean War, and he was recalled to the Army in September 1952. This time he was sent to Ft. Scott (part of the Presidio in San Francisco), and assigned to Battery A 9th AAA in defense of the west coast and in charge of a 120MM B1 anti-aircraft gun. Lawrence achieved the rank of Sgt. 1st Class, and was honorably discharged in September 1954, having served his country in two wars. While on a short leave in January 1954, he married Fannie. Upon returning home and finding no work, and with his first child soon to be born, he moved to Los Angeles and was able to find employment with the US Postal Service. As Lawrence learned every street in Los Angeles, Fannie finished her education in teaching at the University of Southern California. She taught in the California public school system for 30 years.

Lawrence was a faithful and diligent worker at the West Adams Church of Christ in Los Angeles. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13 . I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. After 33 years, he retired from the post office and in 1992, he and Fannie moved back to Lubbock. She passed away on January 15, 2004, having been married for 50 years and 1 day. Since returning home, he worked on the Reunion Committee for Dunbar High School, and was active in the Birch Church of Christ. He later started to attend church at the Manhattan Church of Christ.He was also able to experience the Honor Flight, an opportunity for veterans to travel to Washington, D.C. His favorite part was experiencing the Changing of the Guards at Arlington and the Vietnam Wall. He proudly displayed his cherished mementos from that trip stating, the Honor Flight “was truly a fantastic experience.”

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Cassandra (David) Lee; his son Lawrence (Tyronda) Guyton Jr.; grandchildren, Enjoli (Jason) George, Nicolas Lee; great-grandson, Dillon George; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and spiritual family.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 10, 2020 in Resthaven's Abbey Chapel. Livestream will be available on Resthaven's Facebook.