Mr. Lawrence was born in Thomaston, Georgia, son of the late Gary S. Lawrence and Daisy Avery Lawrence. He was raised in Harris City in Meriwether County, Georgia.
A veteran of World War II, he served the Army Air Forces as a waist gunner on a B-17 in Europe. He graduated from the University of Georgia on the GI Bill and went to work for Shell Oil Company in 1949 as an accountant and worked for them until his retirement in 1987. His work with Shell took him and his family all over the United States and to Indonesia.
Mr. Lawrence married Anne Ward Lawrence in 1949. Anne and James were married for 59 years until her death in 2009.
Survivors include: daughters, Iris Knowles of LaGrange and Paula Primm of Newnan; son, Jim Lawrence of Sugar Land, TX; son Mike Lawrence and his wife, Clara of Elgin, TX; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Teri McIntyre, whom he loved like a daughter, took care of his wife, Anne and then James for six years.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, August 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 31. Flowers will be accepted, or, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to West Georgia Hospice (1510 Vernon Rd., LaGrange, GA 30240) or to LaGrange Shrine Club (PO Box 1872, LaGrange, GA 30241) for the Shriners Hospitals.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636
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