James E. Lawrence, age 96

James E. Lawrence, 96, went to his heavenly home Wednesday, September 13^th leaving behind his wife, Grace, of 69 years; his two daughters, Debbie Holmberg (Rick) and Vickie Kennedy (Jim); two granddaughters, Shannon Green (Kenneth) and Kelley McMillan (John) and two great granddaughters, Alexis Green and Abby McMillan.

He was born Sept. 30, 1926 to Homer and Florence Falls Lawrence (both deceased) in Grant County. He has two surviving ‘baby sisters’, Peggy North (Don) and Gletta Taylor (Wayne). Growing up in the depression James learned the value of a dollar and hard work.

James was a World War II and Korean War veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1944 and spent the last year of World War II in Okinawa. Once the war ended, he spent time in Japan and Korea before being discharged in October 1945. He volunteered to go back in at the start of the Korean War and was immediately sent to the front line for 13 months as a forward observer. He finished his military career in Germany. He was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant in late 1953 and made it home to Pine Bluff by Christmas.

James and Grace Kelley Lawrence were married March 20, 1954 in Los Angeles, California and have been together, side-by-side, ever since.

James was a cabinet builder by trade and started his own business in 1962 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. His success was based on hard work, high quality and strong customer service. He sold the thriving business in 1970 and moved over to Jack Deans Appliance Center, selling appliances until he retired.

The couple relocated to Cabot in 2007 and settled into a routine of a morning coffee at McDonalds with their friends and time with their daughters.

James loved solving puzzles on Wheel of Fortune, working wordsearches and watching Arkansas Razorback games.

The family wishes to thank the employees and staff of Crestview Senior Living in Cabot for the love and care that he enjoyed as a resident there. James will be cremated and eventually entombed in the Veterans’ National Cemetery in North Little Rock. There will be no service or funeral at this time.

Arrangements are by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. An online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.