William "Bill" W Lawerence Jr.

Early Life and Service

Bill was born on June 1, 1942, in Tuscarora Township, Michigan. He grew up in a hardworking, humble home where the family hunted and fished for their daily meat, and mom canned and preserved to have food for the winter. When the Vietnam Conflict began, Bill decided to enlist in the Navy rather than wait to be drafted. Bill always said he hated to be cold, so wanting the choice to serve somewhere warm, he chose San Diego, California, for his training and service. When he reported for enlistment, he refused to go to his assigned duty station because it wasn’t where he was promised; another cold, wintry place that he was trying to escape from. He refused to take the swearing-in oath until the enlistment papers were changed to San Diego and presented to him, causing many other young men there to do the same. Leadership at such a young age.

Ultimately, Bill went on to answer the call of duty for three courageous tours in Vietnam from November 1962 until November of 1966, rising to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class as Boiler Technician, BT2 (E-5). He served with distinction aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7). As a dedicated boiler room mechanic, he took immense pride in keeping his destroyer running smoothly through demanding operations.

Beyond his duties below deck, Bill was tasked with high-stakes jungle rescue missions, helping save teams that retrieved downed pilots in Vietnam. These missions left him with unforgettable memories, including the vivid experience of having to sleep silently on logs while massive jungle snakes crawled over him. Bill’s resilience was tested to its absolute limit during one of these operations when he was shot overboard from a small return vessel. He survived by floating in the saltwater for many grueling days before finally being sighted and rescued. Another instance of unsung heroism was again in Vietnam with Bill and another from his rescue team finding a mortally wounded comrade; attending to his massive wounds; assisting him back to the ship, only to later, while walking down the street in San Diego, California, have a man recognize Bill as the man who save his life.

Life After The Military and Marriage

Upon completing his military service, Bill returned to civilian life and built a meaningful, humble life. True to his roots, he started his own business where he combined his sharp mechanical skills with his talent for building various structures.

Twenty-four years ago, after facing a devastating hardship when his home burned to the ground, fate brought a new chapter into Bill’s life. He met Peggy Sue Cox, the woman who

would become his love and companion. They were married for 24 years, and a marriage that lasted faithfully until death parted them.

Though Bill had never had a desire for pets – even telling Peggy early on, “I don’t like ‘antimals’” – his heart melted one day when he found a kitten so small it fit in the palm of his hand. He brought the tiny creature to Peggy and asked, “What do we do with this?” That kitten became his adored companion, Mr. Soxz, whom Bill loved deeply until the cat’s passing.

Family and Legacy

Bill never lost his connection to nature, his work ethic, or his soft spot for his family. He loomed large in the lives of his extended family, standing as a true hero to his beloved nephews. He is remembered by all who knew him as a resourceful entrepreneur, a brave survivor, and a friend.

Surviving Family: His beloved wife of 24 years, Peggy Sue (Cox) Lawerence; one son; his grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a circle of extended family and friends.

Preceded in Death By: His cherished cat, Mr. Soxz, as well as his parents and three siblings.

Service Information

True to a promise made in life, Peggy assured Bill that he would finally be laid to rest somewhere warm. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Bill’s life, bravery, and friendship in the warmth of East Texas.