In Memoriam: Paul Edwin Lawrence, Sr.

    Paul Edwin Lawrence, Sr., 71, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. He was born in Pitts, GA, a 1962 graduate of Istrouma High School and was a long time resident of Central, LA where he was instrumental in creating Central's first private school, Central Private. He served and defended his country in the United States Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the building of the Berlin Wall. He worked for 33 years as an Operations Supervisor at Exxon and retired as a Processing Division Training Coordinator. Paul also was past President of Baton Rouge International Management Council and a member of American Petroleum Industry. He was a 32 degree Mason and member of Central Masonic Lodge #442 since 1967 and served as Past Worshipful Master. He was also a member and Past Patron of Chapter #23 of O.E.S. He was a long time member and supporter of The Sons of Confederate Veterans. Paul enjoyed spending time on his property in Gillsburg, MS and trips to North and South Carolina to visit his son and daughter-in-law. He loved his family cookouts and always looked forward to Christmas when his entire family would be around him, especially his grandchildren.

    Paul was greeted at Heaven's gates by his parents, John and Helen Dolar Lawrence; brothers, David Crockett Lawrence, Sr. and James Winford Lawrence; his "Little Angel" and granddaughter, Carly Angelique Lawrence; and his nephew, David Crockett Lawrence, Jr. He is survived by his eternally devoted wife of 49 years, Jenelle Ridgedell Lawrence; son, Paul Lawrence, Jr. and wife, Lynn; two daughters, Vickie Calamia and husband, Mike, and Michelle Lawrence-Tullier; five grandchildren, Michael, Jr. and Stephanie Calamia, and Katie, Jessica, and Jacob Tullier; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Delores Lawrence; numerous nieces and nephews, including Mike, Paul, and Daria Lawrence, whom he cared for as his own in honor of his late brother, David.

    Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home, Central, LA, on Monday, Oct.  21, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., officiated by Dr. Kevin Hand. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Garden, Baker. Pallbearers will be Michael Calamia, Jr., Jacob Tullier, Billy Neck, Bobby Ferguson, John Bailey, Rhett Lormand, and Jeff Knight. Honorary pallbearer will be Gerald Reid. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American S.I.D.S. Foundation. In honor of his character, simply "pay it forward". Please sign the online guestbook atwww.sealefuneral.com.