George "Bill" Lawrence

 George "Bill" Lawrence, 82, of 029 Millpond Road, Gatesville, NC, died Tuesday, January 9, 2018.

   Mr. Lawrence was born in Gates County on January 2, 1936, and was the son of the late Leck B. and Ruth Speight Lawrence.  The retired owner and operator of George Lawrence Logging Co., he was a member of the Gatesville Masonic Lodge #126, and was a Baptist by faith.  He was Marine Corps veteran.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Gary Neal and George Michael Lawrence.

   Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Mary Frances Wilson Lawrence; a grandson, William Matthew Lawrence of Gatesville; three sisters, Nancy Brown of Gatesville, Frances Ashce of Harrellsville, and Mattie Boyce of Tyner; and two brothers, L.B. Lawrence of Suffolk, VA and Tom Lawrence of Williamsburg, VA.

   Graveside services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Middle Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery, and will be conducted by the Rev. Burt Pearce.  Friends my join the family in the social hall of Middle Swamp Church following the graveside rites on Monday and all other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

   Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.