Lawrence Astrup, 64, of Charlotte, NC passed away suddenly on February 10th, 2026, in Lancaster, South Carolina. Born on June 25th, 1961, in Peru, Indiana, Lawrence, affectionately known as "Bubba" and "Uncle Bubbles" was a loving father and grandfather who lived a life of service to others. Continuously called upon for his expertise in all things mechanical and electrical; he was quick to help family and friends with home repairs and improvements at the drop of a hat. A kind and gentle soul with a quick wit and fun-loving personality, Lawrence lived a life marked by service to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace Glenn Astrup from Tyler MN and Jacqueline Ann (Farnam) Astrup from Little Falls, MN Siblings, Wallace Glen Jr. Astrup, Ellen Marie Leedy, Thomas Edward Astrup, Elizabeth Ann Tresler and stepdaughter, Meredith Payton.

Lawrence was very proud of his Danish heritage. As a child he liked to take things apart and fix them just as he had seen his dad do. He loved comic books and painting models. He was always a happy person and liked to make people smile with his practical jokes.

Lawrence began working in his big brother's company, Astrup and Ross Tower and Antenna Service. Later he became an electrician apprentice and worked over the years to obtain his Master Electrician's license, the highest level of electrician certification. He became a member of the IEC, Independent Electrical Contractors, and started his own business, Astrup Electric, and served IEC as a dedicated educator. As a Master Electrician, he coached, mentored and launched many electrician apprentices who are now successful licensed electricians thanks to Lawrences' skillful leading. Throughout his career, he was respected by clients, students, co-workers, employees, and fellow electricians for his leadership, quality, integrity, character, and fun-loving personality.

While Lawrence worked hard professionally, his greatest joy was spending time with soulmate and love of his life, Lisa. Theirs was a long, winding journey of love. Married young out of high school and divorced two years later. Both moved on, lost touch, married others, raised and cared for their children. But after each of those marriages ended in divorce, fate intervened, and Lisa and Lawrence found each other again. Older, wiser and still holding that first love for each other after all those years.

For the past 16 years they had built a life together. Navigating as a team. Enjoying traveling, visiting friends, camping, going on walks and trying new restaurants and new recipes. The last several years were focused on Lawrence winding down his business in preparation for retirement. He would light up when asked about the plans he and Lisa had made to move "off grid" and build their forever home on Daufuskie Island, SC. Dreams of getting a boat, fishing, putting in a garden, making a workshop, building community on Daufuskie and welcoming old friends and family to come and visit.

A giver and a creative at heart, Lawrence enjoyed various hobbies in his spare time. Giving most of his creations away to the delight of friends and family. Stained glass work, creative wood art, making and gifting homemade lemon-cello, fresh ice cream and vanilla extract complete with handmade festive labels were just some of the ways Lawrence spread kindness and joy around. He especially loved watching westerns, whittling, collecting interesting pocketknives and wall clocks. He and Lisa enjoyed nature, walking their faithful golden retriever, Clementine, and feeding the assortment of birds, turtles, squirrels and racoons who regularly visited their porch, confident of a handout. Lawrence had the best fed "wild pets" in Charlotte! Being an avid "Ice Cream of the Month" Fan, Lawrence also never missed a chance to let his friends know when the new flavor was out.

Lawrence tried to make the world a better place by helping those with the life skills God gave him. He was always ready with a listening ear, practical advice and a host of humorous quotes, "Lawrence-isms," that always brought a smile. He was a man who found joy in simple moments – a good song, (he loved music) the peacefulness of nature, the loyalty of a beloved pet, playing with his granddaughter, Mabel, on visits to Indiana and the meaningful talks and dreams he and Lisa would share every morning over steaming cups of coffee. His life of simplicity and gratitude reflected his Christian faith. He and Lisa were members of Weddington Methodist Church where they enjoyed their church family. We are beyond grateful to know that Lawrence was a follower of Jesus. So, even as we grieve his loss, we also take heart that we will see him again one day, in Heaven.

Lawrence is survived by his beloved childhood sweetheart, soulmate and best friend, Lisa Brown. His children, daughter Elizabeth Paige Astrup (Craig), son Joseph Lawrence Astrup (Karsen) , granddaughter, Mabel Flora Astrup, sister, Jackie Hall, stepson Blake Payton (Kara) and many nieces and nephews.

Lawrence, "Bubba" Astrup will live in the hearts of all who knew him – through the kindness he showed, the wisdom he shared and the love and humor he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by a host of family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends who loved him dearly.

You are invited to join Lisa and Lawrences' friends and family in honoring his life, sharing our stories and memories and celebrating the wonderful man he was. Please also post all fond memories and stories of Lawrence on the heritage funeral home website so the family can have a record of these precious memories. Thank you!

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 3PM followed by a reception and light refreshments.

Weddington Methodist Church

13901 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104

Donations in Lawrences' name may be made to the Weddington Methodist Church at https://weddingtonchurch.org/give