John F. Lawrence

Landrum, SC

John Floyd Lawrence, 58, of Landrum, SC, husband of Constance "Cam" Fortner Lawrence died peacefully at his home on May 13, 2005.

Mr. Lawrence was born on Dec 3, 1946 in Clinton SC. He is survived by his parents James Walton Lawrence, Sr. and Dorris Watson Hughes of Landrum, his son, James Christopher Fortner Lawrence and wife Maria Lopez-Barrano of Madrid Spain, his daughter, Elizabeth Campbell Lawrence-Baez and husband Alejandro Baez of Columbia, SC. Also surviving are his brother, James Walton Lawrence, Jr "Jerry" and wife Susan; sister, Margaret Lawrence Gibbs of Spartanburg, SC; sister, Jimmie Lawrence Peters Gore of Charleston, SC; sister in law, Peggy Scott Lawrence of Landrum; nephews, Joey Peters and wife Kim of Hanahan, SC; Dean Gibbs of Spartanburg, SC; Robin Gibbs and wife, Linda of Charlotte, NC; nieces, Julie Game and husband McKrae of Spartanburg, SC; Leigh Ann Sayer and husband Ron and Amy Funicello and husband Troy of Charleston, SC, Jamie Morris and husband Steve and Gina Chesnutt; 13 Great nieces and nephews. Also "adopted" by the Lawrences are Nadja Herud of Graz, Austria and Libreville, Gabon, Corrado Leali of Suzzara, Italy and Florian Dotterl of Dusseldorf, Germany.

Mr. Lawrence was predeceased by his mother and father in law, John and Connie Fortner of Greenville, SC and niece, Angela Marie Lawrence of Landrum, SC.

Mr. Lawrence lived in Clinton, Appleton, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg, SC and Shallotte, NC before coming to Landrum in 1955 at the age of nine with his family to found the Landrum Leader.

After graduating from Landrum High, Mr. Lawrence attended the University of South Carolina School of Journalism graduating in 1974 after serving four years in the United States Navy. He remained in the Navy Reserve and retired in 2001 as a Chief Warrant Officer after 31 years of service.

After returning to Landrum in 1974, Mr. Lawrence followed in his father's footsteps as editor and manager of the News Leader. For the last 16 years he was been the general manager of Upstate Newspapers, Inc.

Mr. Lawrence was a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church of Tryon, NC for the past 30 years. During this time he served on the vestry for multiple terms and as junior warden. He was also a member of the choir, chalice bearer and usher.

Mr. Lawrence was the past president of the Landrum Lions Club and the Landrum Chamber of Commerce. He was honored as Man of the Year by both the Landrum Lions Club and the Polk County Jaycees. He was also a member of the Inman Post of the American Legion, the Landrum High School Band Boosters and the Piedmont Area Girl Scout Board.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the communities of Landrum, Tryon, Columbus and the staff of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for their support and compassion over the last 19 months.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm Tuesday at Petty Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 pm Wendesday at the Holy Cross Episcopal Church conducted by Father Michael Doty and Father Michael Penland.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 134 Forest Glen Dr., Columbus, NC 28722, or Holy Cross Episcopal Church Scholarship Fund, Box 279, Tryon, NC 28782 or AFS of Polk County, c/o of Linda Haynes, 212 Pacolet St. Pacolet St., Tryon, NC 28782 .

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