Roy James Lawrence

On Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, Heaven gained another loyal golfer as Roy James Lawrence teed off in Heaven.

He was born June 11, 1943 in Sinton, TX. Roy was quite the athlete, having played basketball at East Texas Baptist University, also attending the University of Texas Austin. Needless to say, he was an avid UT fan. He also served in the U.S. Navy, where he continued to excel in sports, having played basketball there as well.

Roy made his home in Tyler over 20 years ago. He loved golfing at the Cascades, and often remarked at how beautiful that area was. He made his church home at Friendly Baptist. At Friendly, he was a member of the Department Five Men's Class, taught in Department Five, and served on the budget

and finance committee. He also served on the board of directors

of Mentoring Men for Christ ministries, and served as president on the Yesteryear board in Whitehouse.

Roy loved his job with Whitehouse ISD. He was well known as the "bus yard" principal. He also was in partnership and co-owned Southland, Chapel Hill and Troup pharmacies, and the Medicine Shoppe in Whitehouse, and also did the bookwork and accounting. Roy also loved cats and everyone knew that if there was a stray cat, he was sure to take it in.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will always be remembered for his kindness and the values shown in everything he did.

His survivors include his wife of 11 years, Jane Lawrence of Tyler; children, Stephanie Allen and husband Charles of Ft. Campbell, Ky., Leslie Lawrence of Nashville, Tn., Jeffrey Carroll of Virginia Beach, Va., Jessica Norwood of Tyler; mother, Celia Lawrence of Round Rock; brother and sister-in-law, Kirk and Sandy Lawrence of Austin; sisters and brother-in-law, Nancy and Ben Howe of Ketchum, Id., Linda Lawrence of Hendersonville, Tn.; grandchildren, Hope, Abby, Tristan and Madison Allen.

His father, Norman Lawrence, preceded him in death.

A reflection of Roy's life will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Friendly Baptist Church with the Revs. Charles Moore and Dale Perry officiating. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery under the direction of Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Directors.

Pallbearers will be Bill Langley, Steve Sherwood, Gary Easterling, Bob Langley, Joe Tucker and Donny Wayne Morris.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Department Five Men's Class and Dick Lane.

If desired, memorials may be made to missions at Friendly Baptist Church, 1903 E. Front St, Tyler, 75702