September 11, 1939 - July 30, 2025
Early Life and Education
Laurie Allen Mangum was born on September 11, 1939, in Shreveport, LA, to James Iris Mangum and Lillie Mae Wommack Mangum. He was raised in Castor, LA, where he graduated from Castor High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country with honor before returning to Castor in 1958.
Career and Ministry
Laurie began his career working for Woolworth in Bossier City, LA, later transferring to Grand Prairie, TX, as Assistant Manager. While in Texas, he pursued his ministry calling and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Arlington Baptist College in 1964. That same year, he was ordained at Calvary Baptist Church. In 1967, he founded an independent Baptist church in South Shreveport and continued to faithfully serve congregations throughout Louisiana, including Trinity Baptist Church (Shreveport, LA), Holly Road Baptist Church (Mansfield, LA), Barron Road Baptist Church (Keithville, LA), Faith Baptist Church (Shreveport, LA), and Bible Baptist Church (Shreveport, LA). He ended his membership at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Bossier City, LA.
Family and Legacy
Laurie was married to Rachael McIntyre Mangum on July 1, 1960. He was preceded in death by their daughter, Kimberlee Ann Meador. He is survived by two sons: Gralen Delane Mangum (Deann) and Byron Alan Mangum (Tammy). He was one of eight siblings and is survived by sisters Jeanette Wendy and Anne Mangum White. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Laura Meador, Nick Meador, Joel (Sara) Mangum, Jacob (Heather) Mangum, Madilyn Mangum, Olivia (Dustin) Nuss, Jonah (Nicole) Mangum, Micah (Kaylee) Mangum, Jeremy (Jazmyne) Mangum, Jesse Mangum, Josiah Mangum, Jonathan Mangum, Justus Mangum, Jolie Mangum, Kendall (Nathan) Lilly, Kelsey Mangum, and Kameron Mangum. Laurie also had 15 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy and pride.
Personal Interests
In his younger years, Laurie enjoyed working with horses, raising Appaloosa horses and Catahoula dogs. He also loved gardening and spent many peaceful days tending to his plants.
Faith and Scripture
Laurie's life was a reflection of his strong faith in God. His favorite scripture was Romans 8:28:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Acknowledgments and Memorial
Special thanks to Willis-Knighton Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rock of Ages Ministry at the following link: https://rockofagesministry.org/donate
A Celebration of Life graveside service for Laurie will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108.
Laurie will be laid to rest in Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA 71108; Memories East Garden; Lot: 889, Space 2.
