John "Johnny" Lawrence

Johnny (John) Lawrence was born in Indrio, Florida, and raised with strong values that guided him throughout his life.

He attended Lincoln Park Academy High School, where he played football and met his first love, Thelma Anita Hair. They were married on June 3, 1957, in their hometown of Fort Pierce, Florida. The couple later settled in the Marysville, California area, where they shared a loving and devoted marriage until Thelma's passing in 1993.

From their union came six children: Debra Rickford; Martin Lawrence (deceased); Sandra Lawrence; Alan Lawrence; John C. Lawrence; and Dorothea Simmons.

John proudly served six years in the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years with Pacific Gas and Electric. He was a graduate of Saint Mary's College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. A man deeply committed to service and community, John devoted many years to active membership in the Kiwanis Club and the Knights of Columbus.

In his leisure time, John found great joy in fishing, playing cards and dominoes, and cooking-especially barbequing for family and friends.

He is survived by five of his children; his sister, Samirah Abdul-Alim; his brother, Eulus (Chuckie) Green; his brother-in-law, Donald Hair; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other family members.

John later found love again with Gayle Moore, who, along with her family, survives him.

John Lawrence will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his deep Catholic faith, his lifelong commitment to service, and the warmth and kindness he extended to all who knew him.