Robert Watkins Lawrence

1936 - 2014

Robert Watkins Lawrence

Virginia Beach - The Rev. Dr. Robert Watkins "Bob" Lawrence passed away peacefully on January 28, 2014 in Cathedral City, CA at the age of 77. Throughout his valiant battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, his family and friends, near and far, loved and cared for him. Born on May 30, 1936 in Richmond, VA, Bob was the son of the late Stewart B. and Kathleen Moorefield Lawrence of Richmond, VA. He is survived by two brothers, Stewart B. Jr. (Jeannette) of Pittsburgh, PA and Frank M. (Jane) of Richmond. He is predeceased by a sister, Ann P. Lawrence. He is also survived by four nephews, S. Bryan, III (Heather) of Pittsburgh, PA, Timothy M. (Marilyn) of Chicago, IL, Donald G. (Agneta) of Bengtsfors, Sweden, Keith B. (Casey) of Richmond, VA and a niece Kellie L. Olsen (Chris) of Richmond, VA. He has 5 great nieces and 6 great nephews. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond (VA) in 1958, he completed a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA) in 1963, and a Doctor of Ministry from Union Presbyterian Seminary (formerly Union Theological Seminary) (Richmond, VA) in 1974. Bob served 5 churches during his 35 years as a devoted pastor. On August 4, 1963, he was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) at First Presbyterian Church of Soddy-Daisy, TN. From there he was called to serve at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church (Hopewell, VA), River Road Presbyterian Church (Richmond, VA), Wycliffe Presbyterian Church (Virginia Beach, VA) and Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church (USA) where he retired on May 30, 1998. Not only was Bob a gifted preacher, he also carefully prepared all aspects of the worship service. He felt that worship was central to the life of the church. He was an effective leader and administrator who encouraged goal setting and achievement. He was actively involved in parish visitation, continuing education, youth conferences and chaired several major Presbytery committees. He served as Moderator of East Virginia Presbytery in 1985. Bob was warm and engaging. He embraced people of all backgrounds and ages. To some, he was affectionately called, "Builder Bob" because he helped to envision and facilitate several church building programs. To others, like small children gathered for a children's talk at worship, or youth involved in programs at the church, he was simply, "Dr. Bob". He profoundly loved the people of the church. Leisure time for Bob was also an active time. He traveled extensively throughout the world, played the piano, loved all kinds of music and attended operas and the theater. He was a fitness and exercise enthusiast. He was precise, compassionate, generous, empathetic, and had a remarkably keen sense of humor. He will be a friend sorely missed. Bob"s ashes will be interred in the columbarium at Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church (USA) located at 6200 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21212. A memorial service will be held in the spring. The family requests that any expressions of sympathy be in the form of a memorial contribution in Bob's name to the scholarship fund at Union Presbyterian Seminary, 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227.