Harry was born on November 2, 1930 in Nashville to the late Ava Gould (nee) and John Lawrence, Sr.
Harry graduated from Issac Litton High School and earned a business degree from Vanderbilt University. He also served in the United States Army as a member of the Military Police while stationed in Germany.
Early in his career, Harry worked for the Tennessee Taxpayers Association where he worked with municipalities throughout the state. His knowledge of municipal bonds landed him a position with J.C. Bradford, one of the Nashville’s largest and most successful investment firms. In 1992, he retired from Bradford as a senior partner after 30 years of service.
Harry married Sandra (Sandy) W. Lawrence, the love of his life, on July 31, 1971, in Old Hickory. They attended the Old Hickory Church of the Nazarene.
Upon his retirement, Harry and Sandy enjoyed traveling and playing tennis together, founding and hosting the Lawrence Invitational Tennis Tournament (LITT) from 1988 to 2007.
When not on the tennis court, Harry could be found cheering on Vanderbilt football and basketball, Trevecca University basketball, or attending local theater productions at TPAC, the Tennessee Rep, Circle Players, and more.
Harry is predeceased by his sister Elaine Colbert.
In addition to his wife Sandra, he is survived by sons Vann (Kay) Lawrence, Patrick (Karen) Lawrence, and daughter Lisa Bowden; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother John M. Lawrence, Jr.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens in Old Hickory. Visitation will be held Sunday from 6pm to 8m, and on Monday at noon followed by funeral and burial services at 1pm. The Reverend Jack Galloway, Sr., of Nashville First Church of the Nazarene, will officiate.
Pallbearers are LITT participants Dan Palmaroy, Harold Morris, Roger Greenup, Wayne Brenley, Ronnie Jones, AJ Upadhyaya, Daryl Hillis, Keith Perryman and Bill Spinning.
Sandra Lawrence would like to extend her sincerest gratitude to all the professional hospice staff for their attentiveness to Harry in his final weeks, as well as to in-home caregiver Tracy Bell and the team of caregivers for their deep concern and love for Harry.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Lawrence family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
