Lawrence Samuel Wynne Jr.

Lawrence was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines. The strength and discipline he gained as a Marine never left him, and as a result, he would always say, “I’m an Ex-Marine, I can handle anything”. He also was a 32nd Degree Mason of Masonic Lodge #78 in Largo, FL for 40 years. After his retirement, he moved to Dunnellon, Florida on the Withlacoochee River where he pursued some of his many hobbies including fishing, hunting, playing poker, healing women (hence his nickname “The Preacher”), spending time at the Elks Lodge, and running karaoke night at J.R.’s Pub.

He was loved for his sense of humor, his positive outlook and sharing his many words of wisdom, including, “If you aren’t havin’ fun, it’s your own damn fault.”

He is survived by his son, Lawrence S. Wynne, III; two sisters, Dorothy Godwin Neeley and Rita Godwin; nieces, Shirley Smith, Rita Meyers, and Erin LaVigne; nephews, Carlton Godwin and John Godwin, III; and best friends, J.R. Lang (who actually let him run karaoke at his pub) and William Smith, who was also his nephew-in-law, barber, chauffeur, and beer buddy.

We will truly miss our Ex-Marine and will end this brief summary by sharing what he would say, “That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it.”

A service to celebrate Lawrence’s life will be held 12 Noon Thursday, Feb. 12th, at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. He will be interred at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.