CMSGT Lawrence Eugene Williams

He was born on August 13, 1946 in Jackson, Tennessee, the son of Richard Murray and Euna Oberlin (Smith) Williams. Lawrence graduated from South Side High School, Class of 1965. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force (USAF), during the Vietnam War. He served in the reserves and then returned to the USAF in operations as a career until he retired in 1987. Because of his intelligence, dedication, and work ethic he was one of the few to achieve CMSGT, the highest possible NCO rank, in a much earlier timeframe than typical. In 1995, Lawrence started Mid-South Canine Academy. Not only did Lawrence train dogs, but also bred German Shepherds and always said there was no better sound than pitter patter of puppy paws. He retired from training dogs in 2016. Lawrence was an avid walker, and has missed his walking group at Malesus Park; an enthusiastic reader; and family man who had an amazing sense of humor. He was a strong leader and had a gentle soul.

In 1971, Lawrence married Alice “Marie” Russell, who he was introduced to by Marie’s grandmother, Esta Capshaw Russell. They celebrated 48 years of marriage in June with much of their marriage spent traveling. Theirs was a traditional marriage built on love, laughter, and mutual respect. Many wonderful memories were made traveling abroad with the USAF, especially in Germany, and they loved to reminisce about those days in their later years. They were loving parents to their only child, Mona Marie Williams-Hayes, of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Marie, and his daughter, Mona and her husband, Brett Mark Hayes, and his two granddaughters, Sydney Marie (15) and Sadie Ann (12) Hayes; his older brother, Richard Larry Williams (Madalyn “Mandy” Riley); and his younger sister, Doris Irene Williams Radcliffe (Steve) and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Murray and Oberlin Williams.

Our family would like to offer our deepest gratitude to Kirkland’s Cancer Center for their excellent care and compassionate hearts, with a special appreciation of Drs. Franz and Georgiou and nurse Kim. Additionally, we will be forever thankful for the wonderful care of Hospice of West Tennessee, especially Carol, Michelle, Tina, and Stephanie. Finally, a special thanks to South Side High School, Class of 1965. Lawrence loved his classmates and felt humbled by all the calls, cards, and messages.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, August 12, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parker’s Crossroads.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations made in Lawrence’s memory to either Wounded Warrior or a local Humane Society.