Lawrence Goldberg Willis Sr.

Lawrence grew up in Williamsburg on Franklin Street. A talented athlete, he excelled in basketball during his high school years at Bruton Heights High School, graduating with the Class of 1957. He attended Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina.

Returning to Williamsburg, Lawrence married his high school sweetheart, Wyoming "Annette" Mason, on September 24, 1961. Together, they raised three children: Lawrence, Steven, and Tamara.

In 1996, Lawrence retired after a distinguished 28-year career at Anheuser Busch. Known for his athletic prowess, he played on the company’s championship softball and table tennis teams and coached the women’s softball team.

Beyond sports, Lawrence had a deep passion for family, automobiles, and photography. He cherished family history and used his love of photography to create cherished albums, sharing stories of his beloved family and friends with pride.

A man of faith, Lawrence accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Peninsula Pentecostals Church in Newport News until his health prevented regular attendance.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his loving wife, Wyoming "Annette" Willis; his parents, Cue and Elizabeth Clark Willis; his stepmother, Viola Willis; and his older brothers, Cue Horace Willis and Charles William Willis. He is survived by his loving children, Lawrence Trenton Willis, Jr. and Steven Willis (Mary), and daughter, Tamara Bond (Steven); grandchildren, Lawrence Trenton Willis, III, Emma Smith, Mason Willis, and Kerry Willis; great-grandchildren, Corey Smith and Courtney Smith; and a host of family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Services will be held at Nelsen Funeral & Cremation, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 11:00 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.