Bill Lawrence

John Billie Lawrence, born December 28, 1930, passed from his body into the Great Mystery on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson at the age of 90. Bill was the fourth of nine children born to John Wesley and Bertha Carter Lawrence. Bertha was a daughter of Charlie Carter, who was the next-to-last owner of Carter’s Mill in a direct line from Barnabas Carter, the founder of the first Carter’s Mill in the late 1700s.

Bill delighted in telling stories of growing up on the farm and the daredevil antics he and his older brother, Lee, performed in the midst of their daily farm chores. He became expert with farming, but was also fascinated by all things mechanical. This industrial know-how served him well during his 43 years at Chatham Manufacturing Co. Bill was well-known for being able to fix literally anything. He loved his work at Chatham and enjoyed the challenge and problem-solving opportunities he experienced there as a mechanical supervisor. A great believer in hard work, Bill threw himself completely into any commitment he made. His family, neighbors, church community, and employers knew that if Bill agreed to any project or activity, it would be done and done well. He took pride in his home and in his service as a church member and deacon with Church of the Brethren.

From May 2, 1951 – April 28, 1953, Bill served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany as a member of the military police during the Korean War. This service was very important to Bill and he always spoke of it with great pride.

On February 19, 1951, Bill married Lafayette Martin. They had one daughter, Kaye and way too many cats for most of Kaye’s childhood. After Kaye left home, Bill and Lafayette moved “up the mountain” to Glade Valley, NC and lived in a beautiful old farm house while managing the Christmas tree farm that came with the property. The combination of Bill’s farming and Lafayette’s decorating and hostess talents transformed their farm into a ritual destination for many families each December.

After Bill retired from Chatham, he began working at Roaring Gap Club as a caretaker of several homes. He loved this work, too, and cared for these homes as he did his own. He cherished the relationships he made there and continued with his work until his health no longer permitted.

Also after retirement from Chatham, Bill and Lafayette relocated to Sparta, NC, Bill’s favorite home before moving to Parkwood Place in Elkin a few years after Lafayette died in 2011—back down the mountain where he was nourished in mind, body, and soul by the loving community at Parkwood Place.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Lafayette, Bill was preceded in death by sisters Ruby Wells, Helen Bauguess, and Thelma Davis; and brother, Lee Lawrence.

Survivors include: daughter, Kaye Lawrence, and her husband, Bill Crain, of Maine; granddaughter, Tess Crain, of New York City; brothers Jack Lawrence of Arizona and James Lawrence and his wife, Ann, of Boonville; sisters Nellie Jo Park of Elkin and Betty Carol Brooks and her husband, Sammy, of Elkin.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, September 3, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Crestwood Memorial Gardens. The family requests masks to be worn, vaccinations recommended, and all those in attendance to practice social distancing. Bill will lie in state on Friday, September 3, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Elkin Funeral Service.

Bill’s family would like to thank the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home for their loving and highly-skilled care during Bill’s last ten days. And there are no words to express the depth of appreciation extended to Bill’s sister Jo Park, his nephew Philip Lawrence and wife, Judy, his niece Sarah Byrd and her husband, Jerry, his brother James Lawrence and his caregiver Linda Holleman and her family and team for their devotion and commitment to Bill’s well-being and enjoyment of life over the past few years.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill’s name to Audubon NC at https://act.audubon.org/a/donate-north-carolina?ms=digital-fund-web-website_nc_bird_friendly . Some of Bill’s favorite activities involved feeding, watching, and learning about birds. He was particularly concerned that migrating birds have feeding stations on their long journeys. Thank you!