Edward Lee Lawrence

Edward Lee Lawrence, age 76, passed peacefully into heaven on Sunday, August 31, 2025, surrounded by his family who adored him. He was born on February 10, 1949, in Lexington, North Carolina.

Edward grew up with humble means in a home full of love. With his parents, Roger and Kit Lawrence, alongside his sisters, Barbara and Susan, he spent his youth riding his horse Flash, playing sports with friends, picking tobacco and learning the value of hard work. His family worked hard, but they played hard too. His father's creativity in building a backyard tennis court and a makeshift pool taught Edward early on that joy could be found anywhere, and that lesson stayed with him throughout his life. Edward was an adoring brother and loved his sisters dearly. He was a gifted athlete, excelling in football and basketball at North Davidson high school, where he created lifelong friendships and memories that are still retold today. He went on to play football at Gardner-Webb University where he graduated with a degree in Biology. He was an Environmental Waste Chemist for the City of High Point, worked with Husted & Associates Environmental and as a Regulatory and Safety Engineer at Matlab Inc. in Asheboro.

"Steady Eddie" was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carolyn, for 51 years. Their love story began on a blind date that brought together a sun-kissed Florida hippie and a long-haired motorcycle rebel. They built a marriage full of laughter, respect, and devotion. Together, they made a home in their dream fixer-upper, where they raised three wonderful children who brightened their days. Their home was filled with love and joyful memories, though also marked by deep loss with the passing of their cherished son, Michael Lawrence, in 2001. Edward and Carolyn were later blessed with five grandchildren, each of whom adored their "Pop". Pop was a role Edward embraced wholeheartedly as he took great pride in his grandchildren's lives and interests.

Family was at the center of everything Edward did. As a father, he rarely missed a game or special event. He coached youth sports and encouraged his children to be their best on and off the field. We knew unconditional love through his quiet sacrifices, steady encouragement, and abounding patience. He would often give rides to teammates without transportation and welcomed all into our home. He was the fun Dad who didn't live life on the sidelines, jumping in on a pickup basketball game, tossing kids in the pool, building an epic treehouse, and waking up early on the weekends to make his famous trainwreck breakfast.

Weekends often meant chores, stacking wood, weeding the garden, or working on car repairs, but whatever we did, we did together. Dad was right beside us, recounting stories from his childhood or explaining how something worked. A hard day's work didn't come without fun: trips to the pool, evening bonfires and hayrides, or driving lessons in the International truck were a treat. Work didn't really feel like work when it was time spent with Dad.

Edward carried a servant's heart everywhere he went. He was the friend who would chop down a tree, mow your lawn, or fix a leaky pipe without asking. He shared his time freely, putting others before himself. At Archdale United Methodist Church, he served as a Youth Group leader, Sunday School teacher, Trustee, Pumpkin Patch coordinator, and was active with the Methodist Men and Upper Reflections Sunday School class. At Vintage Church, he was active in serving ministries and in the Second Half Community group.

Edward also had a sense of humor that was truly one of a kind. With his fun-loving personality, he was often the life of the party. Quick-witted and kind, he found joy in every situation and had a gift for lifting spirits and seeing the sunny side of life. He never spoke ill of others and made friends with virtually everyone he encountered.

If you spent much time with Edward, you knew his love for motorcycles, especially Ducatis. He drove back and forth from NC to FL on his motorcycle to visit Carolyn while they were dating. He enjoyed attending motorcycle rallies and events with friends and family and rode with his children, Patrick and Hayley. The open road brought him a sense of freedom, and even as the miles on the odometer ticked, he still enjoyed sharing his passion and collection of vintage motorcycles with fellow enthusiasts.

Above all, Edward was a man of deep faith. He lived out his Christian walk daily, embodying the fruits of the Spirit. His faith was a source of strength for our family, and his love was unconditional. Even in difficult times, his joy was evident, and he faced each day with patience and grace. He was a model of goodness and kindness, always serving others with a generous and gentle heart. Though we will miss him deeply, we find peace in knowing his body is restored and he has heard the words of his Savior: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Edward's life was marked by optimism, humor, hard work, and unconditional love. Even in the face of health challenges, he lived fully and with gratitude. His legacy is one of faith, family, and service-a life well lived and deeply loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; their children, Patrick Lawrence (Guadalupe) and Hayley White (Shannon); five grandchildren, Layla White, John Michael Lawrence, Marie Lawrence, Eliana Lawrence, and Keegan White; and his sister, Barbara Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lawrence; his sister, Susan Googe; and his parents, Roger and Kit Lawrence.

Visitation will be held at Cumby Funeral Home in Archdale on Thursday, September 4th, from 6-8 pm. A service to celebrate Edward's life will be held on Friday, September 5th, at Archdale Methodist Church at 3 pm and a private graveside service will be held on Saturday at Randolph Memorial in Asheboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Archdale Methodist Church, Vintage Church, or World's Children.

Archdale Methodist Church

11543 North Main Street, Archdale, NC 27263

Vintage Church

650 West Academy Street, Randleman, NC 27265

World's Children

P.O. Box 2345, Sisters, OR 97759

https://www.worldschildren.org