James Walter Lawrence, Jr. of Falls Mills, VA went home to be with his Lord on Sunday November 27, 2016 at Princeton Community Hospital after a short illness. He was born on January 29, 1936 in Bluefield, WV and was the son of the late James Walter Lawrence, Sr and Bertha Ward Lawrence. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Nelle Marie Lawrence, brother George Lawrence and grandson Tyler James Holt. Survivors include his four children: Karen Holt and husband Mark Holt of Charlotte, NC, Ronnie Lawrence of Falls Mills, VA, Linda Britton and husband Dr. G. Frank Britton of Bluefield, VA, and Brenda Friend and husband John Friend of Bristol, VA; Grandchildren Rainey Rainero, John Friend, Jr., Rebekah Childers, Kelly Lawrence, Andrew Lawrence, Jordan Britton, and Jacob Britton; Great grandchildren Wrenn Rainero, Lola Rainero, James Rainero, Kennedy Kuykendall, Benjamin Childers, Hugo Childers, Maxwell Childers, Hazon Friend and Ila Friend.
He was united in holy matrimony to Nelle Marie McClung on September 22, 1956. The union was blessed with four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Nelle preceded him in death on February 11, 2010 after 54 years of marriage.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed most spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong resident of Falls Mills, VA and was a dedicated member of Falls Mills Christian Church. His retirement followed a long career as an insurance agent. He loved his family and his church family and he will forever be cherished by his family and friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to James and Janice Wellman for their love and support over the years and most especially during this difficult time.
The family will receive friends at Falls Mills Christian Church on Wednesday November 30, 2016 at noon with a celebration of his life beginning at 1:00 pm. Brothers Frank Watkins and Terry Hodges are officiating and interment will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton Looney Mission to Mexico, P.O. Box 250, Vansant, Va. 24656.
Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA is serving the James Walter Lawrence, Jr. family.