Raymond Eugene Lawrence, Sr., 87 of Lake City, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026 at his home.  He was born in Davidson County, North Carolina to the late Wilford Raymond Lawrence and Stella Mae Hiatt Lawrence.  Mr. Lawrence served our country in the United States Navy and retired in 1975 as a Gunners Mate First Class.  He had made Lake City his home since 2005 having moved here from Palm Beach County, Florida.  Mr. Lawrence was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Branford Ward and held many callings within the church.  He and his wife, Thelma, were married in 1997 and later sealed in the Orlando Temple in 2008.  Mr. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David Franklin Lawrence; and two sons, Lonnie G. Diamond and Richard G. Diamond.

Survivors include his wife, Thelma Lawrence, Lake City; his children, Teresa Jean Lawrence, Orlando, Raymond Eugene Lawrence, Jr., Tennessee, Karen Elaine Lawrence, Texas; Sherry Ann Lawrence, Virginia, and Michelle Elaine King, Lake City; one brother, James Joseph Lawrence; 11 grandchildren, 11great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter also survives.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Oak Grove Cemetery in Union County, Florida.  Interment will follow with military honors.  A time of visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home.