Robert "Bob" Carroll Lawrence
June 26, 1926 ~ January 16, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Robert "Bob" Carroll Lawrence, 91, of Asheville, died Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the CarePartners Solace Center from a fall.
Born in Rutledge, TN, Bob was a son of the late James F. and Mattie Fugate Lawrence. At the age of 5, the family moved to Candler, NC. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Catherine Beale and brother, Brig. Gen. James F. Lawrence, Jr.
He was an active member of West Asheville Baptist Church, where he held various positions since 1955. Faith was an important part of his life and he lived the Christian life everyday. His smile was infectious and he was always ready to "share something with you". He was a US Marine Corps veteran of WWII. A few years ago he got involved with the Marine Corps League of Buncombe County, Asheville Detachment 1417. He was proud to be a Marine. He started Bob Lawrence Power Equipment in 1950 and stayed active in the business until 2011. Working was never a chore, he said it was a blessing to be able to get up everyday and go to work.
Surviving are his wife of 72 years, Betty Holcombe Lawrence; sons, Robert C. Lawrence, Jr. (Bee) of Asheville and James A. Lawrence (Karrie) of Charlotte; daughter, Virginia L. Wilkinson (Lee) of Asheville; and grandchildren, Ashley Lawrence, Jake Hall (Julianne), Tiffany Vanerstrom (Scott), Rob Hall (Caitlin), and Bryan Lawrence.
We wish to thank his three wonderful caregivers, Jolanda Phillips, Vronda King, and Hilda House for the wonderful job they did for him. He could not have survived to his age without them.
There will be a private service at the North Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery, conducted by Rev. Dr. Stan Welch.
Memorials may be made to the following: West Asheville Baptist Church Legacy Fund, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 or to the Marine Corps League of Buncombe Co., Asheville Detachment 1417, 26 Daniel Ridge Rd., Candler, NC 28715.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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Mr Lawrence & Bee. I am so sorry in the loss of your father and father in law.
Praying for God’s peace and strength for you and your family during these difficult days.
Betty Ponder
(retired UNCA)
When I think of the way Asheville used to be and the good old days, Bob Lawrence Power & Equipment comes to mind. I had many chain saws and lawn mowers fixed there. Our business leaders had integrity back then. Bob, Luke Atkinson, Red Hoyle and others come to mind. A giant among them has passed, who gave back to the community. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Gerry Huntley in Fairview.
Dear Betty and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cherish your memories. Daddy (Elmer) thought a lot of Bob when back in the days, he would say he was going to Bob Lawrence’s.
I have been a loyal customer of the Lawrence family for over 50 years, and while I had not had the pleasure of seeing him in several years, I will miss Mr. Lawrence. My sincere condolences.
Rick Hulme
Bob, we will miss you so. You were an important part of the Asheville Detachment of the Marine Corps League #1417. You were a wonderful man. Semper Fi, brother.
Bobby and Bee,
So very sorry to hear about Mr. Lawrence. He was quite the entrepreneur
and always spoke to me whenever I came in and he was at the store. Jan and I send our deepest condolences.
Virginia………keeping you and your family in my prayers. I have such great memories of your dad. He was such a spiritual pillar of West Asheville Baptist Church for so many years. He definitely made a huge impact on my life. I remember many many prayer meetings together. I rejoice in knowing I will see him again one day in heaven. Tell Rob I’m praying for him!
God bless…………………………………………………………….Tony & Kathy Hooper
Never a regret for my years working with and getting to know Bob. His Christian values were always on display in his gentlemanly and trustworthy manner. He had a wonderful life in the Lord and I look forward to seeing him again.
Condolences to Betty, Bobby and the rest of Bob’s family and friends.
Virginia and family, I was so sorry to read of Mr. Lawrence’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. I have lots of great memories being in your home and hearing him laugh and seeing him smile. I am praying for you all
Such a wonderful man!! I have so many fond memories of time with Bob at West Asheville Baptist Church as I grew up. He was a joy to be around! My sincere condolences and my prayers go out to his entire family. He will truly be missed…and I rejoice in the fact that I know I will see him again one day.
Dear Betty & family,
Sorry to see of Bob’s passing! I remember when you lived near us & the fun knowing you were there when I would walk or ride my bicycle past your home! You’re all in my prayers!
DEAR FAMILY,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH PEACE DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW. BOB SR. WAS ONE OF A KIND WHO WILL BE MISSED BY MANY; HE LOVED GOD, FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SALES. MOREOVER, HE WAS A GENTLEMAN WHO LOVED WHAT HE WAS DOING.
What a truly wonderful and Godly man! I have known you most of my life as I grew up at West Asheville Baptist Church. Thanks for being such a great Christian example to everyone. Many crowns are yours in heaven. God bless and comfort the family.
Virginia – Just found out the news of your Dad’s passing. So sorry for your
family’s loss.
You will forever be in our memory and in our hearts. You were an inspiration and loved by all of the members of the Marine Corps League, Asheville Detachment 1417. Your race is run and your final duty station awaits you Marine. We thank you for your service to God, your Country and your community. Until we meet again, Semper Fidelis!
So very sorry for your loss. The world was a better place for knowing him.
Virginia and family I will always remember Mr. Lawrence as a kind and thoughtful man. He wore a smile each and every time I saw him and had such a gentle way about him. I know my dad, Avery Dillard, thought the world of him. I know he is in heaven and seeing all those things he taught about for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Anne Dillard Alley
Virginia and Family,
What a wonderful man your father was and such a dear friend to my dad, Bob Morrell. Your father and mine were so much alike in that they always cared for others and with a sweet, sweet spirit. I can honestly say I know what you are going through and will go through in the days and years to come. I’m so sorry for you loss. Nothing can fill the void of a father. May God bless you in the the days to come.
My condolences to the family,
Wade Caldwell
No finer couple to know, Bob and Betty…I hope to see you again🙏..as ya’ll were a very important influence in my life. When working for you, you treated me like “Family”, those are realized as treasured years..you bought me many a meal, we all were very loyal to each other and the business.
Virginia, stayed Blessed, Jolanda you were God’s Gift to all.
Bob and Betty knew how to “LOVE”, and lived for the Lord👌..precious be, to have more humans following “His” Word….