Ray Lawrence

Ray Lawrence of Charlotte, Michigan, departed his life on earth on January 10, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. His life on earth began November 18, 1934, in Miami, Florida. Ray and his three siblings were born to parents who moved frequently, living in thirteen different cities during his childhood. He attended college in Arkansas and dedicated his life to the ministry. His commitment to youth developed in college and continued as he moved west to Arizona with his former wife, Betty. Ray was instrumental in establishing the Little League program in Kingman, Arizona before moving to Charlotte, Michigan. Many of you will remember Ray’s involvement in youth sports having seen him referee basketball, baseball, and football games in mid-Michigan. Ray took great joy in working and maintaining a small farm. You probably saw Ray work the garden stand on M-50 over the years. Ray loved this farm and the interaction it brought with the people in the Charlotte community. He loved his life to the fullest and brought much joy to his children and family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Martha (Sederlund); his seven children, Susan (Jay) Chan of Kingman, AZ, Sharon Lawrence of Loveland, CO, Stephen (Danna) Lawrence of Phoenix, AZ, Scott Lawrence of Kingman, AZ, Sheila (Greg) Morley of Spokane, WA, Liz (Peter) Simons of Gilbert, AZ, and Brian (Sunita) Rowe of Gilbert, AZ. Ray was blessed with nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren who were a big part of his life.
Ray was preceded in death by his three siblings, one sister- in-law, and one brother-in-law.
Special thanks to Sparrow Medical and Hospice for their amazing care and compassion over the years, and many thanks to the friends and neighbors who helped support us over the years.
A memorial service will be in Ray’s honor will be held at a later date.
To view Ray’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.