Leroy Perl Lawrence

December 27, 1940 - June 20, 2017
Leroy Perl Lawrence

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Leroy Perl Lawrence, 76, of Ash, NC. passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in his home.

He was born in Bridgewater, PA, December 27, 1940, and was a graduate of Beaver Area High School. He was a longtime resident of Sewickley, PA. before moving to Ash, NC 17 years ago.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and, following his service, worked at Armco Steel and Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad for 22 years before launching Lawrence Upholstery along with his wife. Lee was an active member of the Shallotte Moose Lodge # 710, having served 2 terms as governor. He was a member of the Calabash Presbyterian Church, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Valley Veterans Association. He was a longtime fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pirates, and the Penguins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy Clayton and Edith Kathleen Kendrew Lawrence; his daughter, Lorraine Lee Hamilton, and his 2 sisters and 4 brothers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 ½ years, Cleo Clifford Lawrence; his daughters, Colleen Lawrence Kardasz (Larry) and Constance Lawrence; his grandchildren, Lonney Christoff (Karin), Jesse Christoff, Candace Hamilton Pfaff, Melissa Knechtel, Ivory Hamilton Christmas (Jason), Daniel Knechtel (Julie), Trevor Hamilton (Charlene), Kendrew Lawrence, Lauren Lee Kardasz, and Sean Kardasz; his sisters, Nancy Kress and Geraldine Grant, lovingly known to him as “Rosie” and “Putz”; 5 great-grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews, countless friends and their beloved chiweenie dog, Ginger.

There are no services planned.

Donations may be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation.

Share memories or condolences to the family at wilmingtoncares.com.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403

910.789.9099


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  • June 23, 2017
    Bonnie & Bob Marsh lit a candle:
    Lit since June 23, 2017 at 6:43:12 AM

  • June 23, 2017
    Joanna Owen says:
    Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. With Love, Joanna and Bob Owen

  • June 23, 2017
    Dana says:
    Uncle Lee was greatly loved, with his cooler than cool red pompadour haircut, and his suave smile. We had a wonderful time visiting a few years back, always such a gentleman, a wonderful father, and loving husband. Truly a great man. He will be missed.

  • June 23, 2017
    Linda Helfer says:
     My deepest sympathy to Aunt Cleo, Colleen, Connie & Family. I have fond memories of Uncle Lee...teaching me to dance in the hallway of Grandma Lawrence's home playing 45s on the Hi-Fi! Uncle Lee was always positive, loved his family and life. I am so glad that Aunt Cleo and Uncle Lee were able to attend our Lawrence/Kendrew Family Reunion a few years ago. You will be missed. Love, your Niece, Linda

  • June 24, 2017
    Lisa Knechtel Patton says:
    Cleo, Colleen, Connie and family. We're so sorry for your loss of your dad. He was such a wonderful man and we loved him as well as all of you. Remember the wonderful memories.