John Lawrence, Sr.

Mr. John David Lawrence Sr., affectionately known as “J.D.” and “Johnny-Babe” of Tampa passed away Friday, March 27, 2020.  Due to the current restrictions from the CDC, the funeral service will be closed to the public.  A Private Funeral service will be conducted Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue with Reverend Maurice Taylor, officiating. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Mr. John D. Lawrence was a native of Queens, New York and a resident of Tampa for 2 years.  He was a graduate of Benjamin N. Cardozo, Bayside Queens, NY, Class of 1977 and was a dedicated employee of MTA New York City Transit Authority where he was a Tower Operator for 33 years.  After retiring, he relocated to Tampa, Florida and became a member of New Progress Missionary Baptist Church.   John loved watching movies, eating out and spending time with family and friends.  He will be remembered for his outgoing and funny personality.  He was preceded in death by: his parents, John Lawrence and Eva F. Lark.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his only child, John David Lawrence, Jr.; one sister, Karen B. Harvey; his dear fiancée, Barbara Foster; two nephews, Kenneth David Harvey and Malik Kamal Moore; two great nephews, Christian Harvey and Malik Kamal Moore, Jr.; one niece, and Godchild, Crystal Eve Chestnut; and a host of cousins, and loyal friends. 

The visitation will be held Friday, April 10, from 3p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue.  We are asking family and friends to pay their respects and to follow the CDC guidelines. 

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