Harold "HG" George Lawrence

HG to family and friends and Sugg (pronounced Shug) to his army buddies

HG was born on March 17, 1922 in West Columbia, Texas and passed at the age of 98, in Spring, Texas on January 21, 2021

HG graduated from Homedale High School in Homedale, Idaho where he participated in all the sports and excelling in track.

On March 12, 1943 he was inducted into the Army and was chosen for a new team of Paratroopers, known as the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, at Fort Benning, Georgia. The 517th saw most of its combat in Italy, Southern France, and the Battle of the Bulge as an independent unit. At the end of the war, the unit was eventually incorporated into the 13th Airborne Division. In addition, to jumping from planes, each trooper was required to qualify as "expert" with his individual weapon, "sharpshooter" with another and "marksman" with all crew-served weapons in his platoon. The 517th completed jump school with no washouts, setting a record that has endured to this day.

HG was honorably discharged on October 18, 1945. During his time, in the Army, he was awarded The Bronze Service Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal, and The Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters (indicating that he was previously injured and went on to be presented with a second and third Purple Heart).

Of all of his accomplishements HG was most proud of and honored by his service to his country and flew a flag in his yard everyday.

When he was 24 he moved to Houston, Texas where he began his career in the food store industry as a food supplier with Carnation Milk. He worked with Mrs. Baird’s Bread, Dentler Potato Chips and Whitsom-King. He retired, from Johnson & Cook, at the age of 65, but decided he was too young and while living in Colorado went to work for the Kroger Company as a “Courtesy Clerk” which translates to grocery sacker. Back in Spring, he continued working with Kroger and at 92, decided it was time to actually retire and give up driving.

HG was the only brother in a household of sisters. He loved and cherished each one of them. On several 517th Reunion trips he took one of his sisters with him as his guest. Naomi and he were the last of their family and they became very close over the last several years. They attended the same church and senior lumcheons, sang karaoke and shared memories of the ones that we still miss today

He is preceded in death by his parents Hiram George Lawrence and Mary Moore Lawrence. Three sisters, Kathryn Maulsby, Ruth Shuffield, and Gloria (Bonnie) Malant. His Son, Burt Otto Lawrence, who passed while serving in Viet Nam in November 1971. And his great grandson, Nathan Lawrence Fryday.

He is survived by his daughter, Lucye Melody , Grandson Jody Melody and wife Amy, Grandson Bryan Fryday, wife, Aubrey, and great grandson, Hayden Fryday. Grandson, Chris Fryday and wife, Sheena and children. His sister, Naomi Mitchell and many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to Gateway

Church 2930 Rayford Rd, Spring, Texas 77386 or the charity of your choice in HG’s honor.

Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Waltrip Funeral Directors. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Rick Fowlkes, officiating. Interment will follow 12:30 p.m. in Woodlawn Garden of Memories with Military Honors.