Ralph Erwin Lawrence

Ralph Erwin Lawrence, 81, of Paragould, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025. He was born October 8, 1944, in Rector, Arkansas. Ralph, or Papa to his babies, was a man of honor, integrity and loyalty. He was as humble as they come, and dedicated his life to his loving wife, children, grandchildren and many foster children. When he wasn't working, he was probably out to lunch somewhere with his brother, Donald, or his coworker and friend, Gary. Full of belly laughs and dad jokes, his sense of humor was top tier. As he would say, "They don't need them like they used to." On October 11th, 2025, the world lost an incredible and irreplaceable man, but heaven gained one amazing angel and Papa was reunited with the love of his life. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will carry on forever. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Nillie Lawrence; wife, Elizabeth Lawrence; brother, Raymon Lawrence; sister, Betty Ellis; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Lawrence and Ruth Lawrence. Survivors include his daughters, Ashley James (Buddy) and Amber Masters (Joshua); sons, Adam McClung (Brytani) and John Rubbo; brothers, Donald Lawrence (Wanda), Melvin Lawrence, and Laymon Lawrence; grandchildren, Cade, Darius, Khaleesi, Alaina, Amari, Casyn, Romi, Jaiden, Samuel, Emmitt, Taigan, Remington, Halle, and Harris. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at noon at Phillips Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Brown's Chapel Cemetery with military honors. Donald Lawrence, Amber Masters, Buddy James, Ashley James, Joshua Masters, and Gary Ellis will serve as pallbearers. Adam McClung and Darius Lamb will serve as honorary pallbearers. To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.