Joseph Justin Lawrence, a 25-year veteran, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret), was born January 24, 1931, in Fargo, North Dakota, and is survived by his loving wife Helen Lawrence of 55 years, his son Timothy and wife Kathy Lawrence, and five grandchildren, Shaya, Tristin, Brandon, Mikael, and Kennen Lawrence.
Remembered for his passion and fierce love and dedication to his wife Helen, Joe was a beacon of light and warmth to those who knew him. Joe and Helen's charismatic relationship and banter drew smiles to those around them, as they modeled a well-rounded and healthy marriage to their family and friends.
During his career in the Air Force, Joe fulfilled his flying requirements first as a navigator/bombardier and later moving to the right seat as a co-pilot and finally flying as pilot in command of several plane types with the Strategic Air Command. While serving, he also continued his education, obtaining his undergraduate degree at the University of Omaha, and completing his MBA, from the University of South Florida, after retiring from service.
Joe and Helen enjoyed traveling, enjoying numerous cruises both together as well as being accompanied by close friends on many of their expeditions. Excursions varied from the wild arctic terrain of Alaska, the ageless towns and cities of Europe, the Orient, to the tropics of numerous Caribbean islands. As a couple, they got to enjoy many different cultural lifestyles, and local cuisines to create a lifetime of memories.
When it came to family, Joe and Helen shared many happy and fun-filled days, with his son Timothy, from a previous marriage. Helen laughs to this day, that a young Tim, was picked up from his home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, as the newlyweds on their honeymoon, Joe and Helen, traveled from Georgia to Joe’s service assignment at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. As a father Joe modeled a life of honor, pride, duty, respect and other virtuous characteristics that would be passed on to the next generation.
In time, Joe and Helen would become grandparents and tickled by youth once more. As a grandfather, he became “Gumpy” and Helen became “Gammy”, loving titles that lit up both of their faces. Adventures followed, to include roller coasters, early morning fishing expeditions, water skiing and tubing on the lake at the family cottage in the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota and keeping up with his “grubby little urchins”, as they were affectionately called, around the Tampa area theme parks.
After retiring from military service, Joe assisted others with tax preparation as well as becoming a real estate salesperson and broker. He tinkered tirelessly with projects around the house and enjoyed the company of close friends while playing in Bridge groups and rooting for the local sport teams, the Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays.
On the morning of February 1st, 2023, at 92 years of age, and blessed with a life filled with love, laughter, joy and adventure, Joe left the bounds of this life, to spend an Eternity with our Heavenly Father. A visitation will be held March 16th, 2023, at 2:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 3:00 P.M at the Blount and Curry funeral home in Carrollwood, FL.
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