Rex Lawrence

Rex Lawrence, 82, of Glenwood, AR passed away on April 3, 2024 in Hot Springs, AR.  

He was born in Mena, AR on January 29, 1942 to Lake and Maggie (Brown) Lawrence. 

He grew up in Pine Ridge, AR, graduated from Oden High School and later attended Henderson State University where he received his BS in Psychology.

He was President and owner of Lawrence Land and Timber, Inc. His professional dedication was evident through his memberships in the Arkansas Forestry Association, Forest Resource Association and Arkansas Timber Producers, where he was honored as Outstanding Logger of the Year. He worked tirelessly raising money for the Arkansas Log-A-Load for Kids Program which has currently raised over $10,000,000.00 for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital.  

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Glenwood.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and community leader emphasizing the importance of education with years of service on the Glenwood School Board and the Arkansas State School Board Association. He dedicated himself to his beloved community through his membership on the Glenwood Industrial Development Board, 10-County Workforce Investment Board and the Southwest Intermodal Authority that encouraged, supported, and aided economic growth and development for the southwest Arkansas region. 

Rex was preceded in death by his parents: Lake and Maggie Lawrence, brother and sister–in–law: Bill and LaRue Lawrence and niece; Renee Carter

The highlight of his life was spending time with his family.  Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ann (Lavespere) Lawrence, daughter Andria (Carey) Smith of Little Rock, AR, son Jason (Michelle) Lawrence of Hot Springs, AR; four grandchildren, Madelyn (Carson) Henderson of Dallas, TX, Jackson Broyles of Hot Springs, AR, Olivia Lawrence of Fayetteville, AR and Emmy Smith of Little Rock, AR.  Other survivors include his sister, Marilake Gibson of Texarkana, AR, nephew, Bruce (Donna) Lawrence of Oklahoma City, OK, and niece Fonda(Charles) Howland of Doddridge, AR along with a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Larry Mitchell, Brian Cowart, Terry Marrison, Terry Whitley, Kade McFadden, Boonie Barrett. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home located in Glenwood, AR.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 2:00pm at Smith Family Funeral Home located in Glenwood, AR with burial to follow at Bethel Baptist Church. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Matthew Hulsey, Ellen Moreland and staff at Glenwood Family Medicine, Glenwood Ambulance Service, First Responders of Pike Co, nurses and staff of 5E and Hospice Care of CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital located at #1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202 or the Glenwood First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 373, Glenwood, AR  71943.