Lawrence Weldon Love

Lawrence Weldon Love, affectionately known as “Larry” to friends and family, was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1955 to James Love Sr. and Artimeas Thomas. His developing years were spent with his beloved Aunt and Uncle, Tommie and Wardell Wilson, and brother Louis Wilson.

Lawrence shared his later years with his wife Velda McKinney-Love and children Ashley Love-Adams, Lauren Love-Comer, Brian Haygood, Shyra McKinney-Stevenson, and Jordan McKinney.

Lawrence accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He spent early years of his faith life at Paseo Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri.

Lawrence attended Linwood Elementary School, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1973. After graduation, Lawrence’s love of technology and engineering took him to Northwest Missouri State University, where he graduated in only 3 years with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. Soon after graduation, Lawrence was employed by the Bendix Corporation. During his time at Bendix, he attended night school, and received a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Central Missouri State University. Lawrence also became a published author in his field.

Lawrence was a respected manufacturing professional and supervisor. He received promotions and acclaim for his sense of responsibility, professional skills, technical knowledge, and his attention to detail. Lawrence’s work ethic and passion for building dated back to his childhood. He was a model car builder and was “great at the finishing process.” He was an artist and excelled in painting and free hand drawing. Lawrence was a man of many “seasons and talents.” His technical skills were complemented by his musical skills. He was a singer, who performed gospel and rhythm & blues. He was a leader in several church choirs. He was a drummer in school bands, and was an original member of the Kansas City McFadden Brothers Band. Lawrence loved music. He was a trained singer, tap dancer, and drummer. He loved to organize singing groups that performed in talent shows and local events.

Sports during high school and into his adult life, played a very important role for Lawrence. He was a brown belt in karate, but basketball was his passion. During high school he was the top point guard in the city and the organizer of tournament basketball teams. While attending First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kansas, he assisted with the youth basketball team. He loved to play golf in his later years.

In 1995, he relocated to Jackson, TN to embark on a new career opportunity. Delta Faucet- Jackson was a new manufacturing company to break ground. He was one of the first production managers to be hired. He was not only responsible for hiring his own employees, but also the intricate machines to produce the parts. He was solely committed to the long hours to bring his departments up. The Machining and Brazing Departments were his pride and joy. It was years later when the company transitioned from traditional departments to Value Streams and it was at that point he inherited some assembly areas. After it had been decided Jackson would produce the high end luxury line Brizo, it would be Lawrence to lead that department, turning it into a showroom. Lawrence went on to lead the plant in implementing 5-S and Six Sigma Certification. He was definitely a hands-on kind of guy. He also wanted everyone to be great and took any opportunity to motivate his team.

Upon an early retirement from Delta, he was the most tenured employee at the company. Lawrence and Velda relocated to Texas with aspirations of traveling, playing golf and barbecuing.

Lawrence loved his blended family. He was a great husband, father, brother, and friend. “He was the coolest person ever.” He was always there to support whatever his children needed. During their younger years, fishing was a way for him to relax and also enjoy outings with his children. He loved to have long talks with his children, giving great advice and cracking jokes with lots of laughs. He also played board games like dominos with his children and wife Velda, this was a regular Saturday night routine.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, James Love Sr. and Artimeas Thomas; beloved aunt and uncle, Tommie and Wardell Wilson; and brothers, Contillar Love and James Love Jr. He is survived by his wife, Velda Love and his brother, Louis Wilson. He also leaves to love and miss him, his children Ashley Adams (Marshane), Lauren Comer (Brandon), Brian Haygood (Tina), Shyra Stevenson (Corey), and Jordan McKinney (Tiana) as well as, his grandchildren Christian Comer, Arden Comer, Lena Comer, Taylor Haygood, Brian Haygood Jr., Harlem Williams, and Jersee McKinney; father in law, Thomas McKinney, sisters in law, Gaila Closson and Quinita McKinney. Lawrence will always be loved by a host of extended family and friends.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, a memorial service will be held November 2nd, 1:00 p.m. at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Homes, 2812 North Highland Jackson, TN 38305. We welcome all who knew him to join us for this celebration of life.