Lester John Lawrence, 88, of Statesville, N.C., went to be with his heavenly father on March 21, 2022. He was born in Grayson County, Va., near Galax to the late Lester Penn Lawrence and Elma Maude Wood Lawrence. Lester was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Rose Lawrence.

On July 15, 1955, Lester married Lucille Roberts, who survives him. Also left to cherish his memory are his three sons, David Jeffrey Lawrence, Steven Michael Lawrence (Jennifer), and Craig John Lawrence; and one daughter, Teresa McLain Weber (Chad). Lester is also survived by seven grandchildren, Brandon McLain (Julia), Spencer Weber, Michael Lawrence, Kalyn Lawrence, Jessica Lawrence, Lindsay Lawrence, and Josh Bradshaw, and seven great-grandchildren, Maximus, Roman, Jack, Tripp, Skylin, Brody, and Bree.

Lester grew up in Galax, Va., where he fostered a love for bluegrass music. He often played musical instruments such as guitar or fiddle. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours teaching his grandson, Brandon. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his service, he married the love of his life, Lucille.

As a young married man, Lester worked as an insurance adjuster for General Motors, traveling the Southeast. He finally moved to Statesville in 1966, where he opened up Downtown Motors until being lured away by Bell & Howard Chevrolet, where he served as General Manager for a number of years. After that, he and Lucille sold wholesale cars until retirement.

Lester was a devout Christian man and his walk with Christ guided him and molded him into the man that he was. He was a lifelong member of Western Avenue Baptist Church, where he served in several leadership roles. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday School and was instrumental in negotiating the land deal where the church is today. He lived his life through his faith in Jesus Christ. Lester was always there for his family and friends. He was always willing to help them with any of their needs and minster to them at the same time. Through the years, he and Lucille enjoyed traveling and camping with friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 25, 2022, from 12 to 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. in honor of Lester at Western Avenue Baptist Church, with Senior Pastor Jeff Spry officiating.

Memorials may be made to: Wreaths for Veterans, P.O. Box 703, Salisbury, N.C., 28144, or Western Avenue Baptist Church.

Bunch-Johnson is honored to be serving the Lawrence family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Lawrence family.