Gary Lester Lawrence

Gary Lester Lawrence obituary, Townsend, GA

Gary Lester Lawrence

Gary Lawrence Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Brunswick on Jan. 22, 2026.
Gary Lester Lawrence, 83, of
Townsend, Georgia departed
this life on Monday, January
12, 2026 at his residence.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 pm on Saturday, January 31 st , 2026, at
the Shellman Bluff Community United Methodist Church, 1035 Magnolia Street
NE in Townsend, Georgia with the Reverends James Sapp and Allyson Lawrence
officiating. Visitation with the family will be at the church at 11:30 am, prior to
the Memorial service.
Born September 8, 1942, in Camden, New Jersey to the late Lester George and
Grace Vera Lawrence, he had been a resident of McIntosh County for nearly 30
years. Gary was a veteran of the Vietnam war, an auditor for the U.S.
Department of Education and the Chatham County Board of Education, a
Certified Public Accountant and teacher of CPA Review courses. He was a
faithful member of his church community, contributing strongly to initiating and
building up the Shellman Bluff Community UMC over the last few years. He was
a devoted and loving husband, a cherished father and grandfather, a caring
father-in-law, and a good friend to many, giving selflessly of his time, patience,
and wisdom. He was also an avid lover of nature, finding great joy and
peacefulness in fishing, hunting and boating.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Carol Ann
Lawrence, his son Kevin Lawrence and his brother Frank Lawrence.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Mark Lawrence and wife Katja Lawrence of
Germany, a daughter-in-law, Rev. Allyson Lawrence of Bishop, Georgia, and four
grandchildren: Sophie, Tom, Jadyn and Kaitlyn.
Gary lived a good life and leaves behind a legacy of openness, generosity, and
steady presence that will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He
will be deeply missed by many.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Shellman Bluff
Community United Methodist Church.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568133941479

Chapman Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Gary Lawrence's Guest Book

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February 6, 2026

Jackie posted to the memorial.

February 6, 2026

Jackie posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2026

Joan Moore posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Jackie

February 6, 2026

The very dearest of brother-in-laws. Always kind, wise and just all around a wonderful Christian man. I do, and will continue to miss him!

Jackie

February 6, 2026

Joan Moore

January 29, 2026

Gary was my supervisor with the U.S Department of Education, Office of Inspector General from 1987 to 1992 in Atlanta which was early in my government career. I ended up working for various agencies in the government over 36 years. Gary was by far the best supervisor I ever had.

I was green as grass (although I didn't think so) when I started working for Gary and he saw something in me and patiently mentored me. I remember he used to have a sign in his office that read "Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill." Being young at the time, I didn´t like that sign. Gary used to say that I would become more "seasoned" over time. He was right. His wisdom was invaluable.

There are many times I think of the lessons he taught me. Throughout my career, I tried to emulate his mentorship and pass along lessons to those in my path.

Also, I always appreciated Gary´s faith and Heaven has gained another angel.

LEE EPPINGER

January 28, 2026

Gary was my supervisor with the Education Department OIG, for many years. I was in Atlanta for his farewell and retirement, and when I was heading back home to Tennessee I asked Gary to walk me to my car because I wanted to say good-bye privately. I told Gary that his retirement was a very sad day for me, and I began to cry. I think Gary was surprised, but I wanted him to know how much I cared for him. As I told my former co-worker Grant this week, for a fellow who was short in stature, Gary was a big, big man. Gary, in the words of one of my heroes, Woody Guthrie, "So long it's been good to know ya'!

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Sign Gary Lawrence's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 6, 2026

Jackie posted to the memorial.

February 6, 2026

Jackie posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2026

Joan Moore posted to the memorial.