Lawrence graduated from Rosedale High School in 1957. He was an active member of the Union Missionary Baptist church where he participated in many activities. He attended Wenonah Vocational Trade School where he met his future wife, Sherlie. In 1961 he was drafted into the U. S. Army and on December 28, 1961, he and Sherlie were married. The Army took them several places and they eventually settled in Seaside, California in 1962 where Lawrence was discharged from the Army. Lawrence went to work for Firestone Tire and Rubber until his medical retirement in 1979.
Lawrence and Sherlie remained in Seaside and became active members with the Ocean View Baptist Church and sang with the senior choir. Lawrence served as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, and Christian Education group captain. In 1984, he was ordained as a Deacon of the church.
Lawrence participated in several civic organizations and was active in the Seaside community. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and received the highest degree offered by the Scottish Rite Masonry. He would later become the District Deputy Director/Senior District Deputy Grand Master for Central and Northern California. Lawrence also served the community of Seaside as Deputy Registrar of Voters for Monterey County. Lawrence would go on to receive an AA Degree from Monterey Peninsula College.
After Sherlie’s retirement in 1997, they moved back to Alabama to finally complete their journey back home.
Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sherlie Clarke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Crum and Oneitha Clarke. He will be missed by all of those blessed to have known and loved him.
A Public Viewing for Lawrence will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. A Celebration Homegoing will occur Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 4:00pm, 698 Winchester Rd Ne, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. A Committal Service will occur Friday, August 26, 2022 at 2:00pm at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy 119, Montevallo, AL 35115. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Clarke family.
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