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In Loving Memory Of William H. Lawrence William (Bill) Henry Lawrence was born January 29, 1932, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania to William Aaron Lawrence and Sarah Ellen (Whitman) Lawrence. He went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 21st, at the age of 85 plus years, at his home, in San Antonio, TX. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, who were married on May 21, 1955. He is also survived by one son, William (Billy) H. Lawrence; two daughters, Jeanne Royals and husband Jerry, and Debbie Isbell and husband Dennis. He is survived by 3 granddaughters: Rebekah (Isbell) Sweeney and husband Tim Sweeney; Heather (Isbell) Goodin and Greg; Sarah (Royals) Reeves and husband Tim. He has 7 great grandchildren: Andrew Sweeney, Bryleigh Goodin, Braxton Goodin, Kensington Goodin, Hannah Sweeney, Luke Sweeney, and Kylah Goodin. He is preceded in death by his parents: William and Sarah Lawrence; and his sister Fern (Lawrence) Page. Bill joined the Air Force in 1952, fighting in the Korean War, from 1952-1956 as a B-26 gunner, flying 33 Missions over enemy territory. He continued his military career and eventually ended up fighting in Viet Nam. He did two tours in Viet Nam as an Airflight Mechanic. His second tour almost cost him his life, as a shell hit their barracks. His military career took he, and his family to some exciting assignments in Ft. Worth, TX; Albany, GA; Del Rio, TX; Tuscon, AZ; Little Rock, AR; Abilene, TX; Libya; England; and the Philippines. In these State side assignments and Overseas assignments, he and his family served the Lord faithfully. He served as a Deacon, Teacher, Song leader, Treasurer, and Prayer warrior. He and his family had an integral part in establishing the Bayanihan Bible Baptist Temple, just outside of Clark AFB in the Philippines. During those overseas assignments, they took every opportunity to explore and learn the history of each place. These made lasting memories for Billy, Jeanne, and Debbie. MSGT William H. Lawrence retired with an Honorable Discharge in January of 1978, after 26 years of serving our Country with honor and distinction. After his Air Force career, he decided to go to college, earning his Masters in Geology from Hardin Simmons University, Abilene, TX, in 1981. He used that degree working for Humphry/Bashford in their search for West Texas Oil. Bill, Daddy, Dad, Papa was loved by his family. Papa was very loving to his grandchildren, and he continued that doting when the great grandchildren arrived. He took every opportunity to spoil them. He loved to fish, when he had the opportunity (sometimes a sore subject with Mom and Debbie, don’t ask). He loved to work with wood, building several pieces of furniture, still in use. He was loved, and is loved, and will be missed. But, praise the LORD, he trusted Christ as His Saviour, as a boy, and loved the LORD. He is present with His Saviour and those that have gone before him. So much more could be said, but his life goes on through his family and those he impacted for Christ. A visitation will be held at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on Sunday, August 27th from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Monday, August 28, 2017, at Grace Baptist Temple, San Antonio, TX. His son-in-law, Pastor Dennis Isbell, will be officiating; along with Dr. Leland Kennedy and Kevin Kennedy. Burial will be at Mission Retama Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers or plants, the family would be honored if you would donate to the Mission Fund of their Church, Grace Baptist Temple.

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William H. "Bill" Lawrence

January 29, 1929 - August 21, 2017