Obituary of Robert Lawrence, Sr. Robert M. Lawrence Sr., 86, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Born on October 4, 1932 in Cordova, MD, he was the son of Paul and Marie Lawrence. Served as the President and Owner of Lawrence Volkswagen Audi Mazda from 1959-1983 as well as Owner of Bob Lawrence Car Wash and Pre-owned Cars.
Earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland; MA in Theology from Beacon Bible College; served in the ROTC and later as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. He served on numerous boards and committees including Wor-Wic Tech Community College as a Founding Board Member, serving as the longest board member for over 25 years; Trustee for the National Association of Community College; Bank of Delmarva Board of Directors, 1965-2007; Salisbury Rotary Club and Paul Harris Award Recipient; Maryland Quality Auto Dealer of the Year and the National Runner Up for Time Magazine Dealer of the Year; Youngest Volkswagen Franchise holder, and in his later years, served as President of the National Independent Auto Dealership Association (NIADA); appointed by 5 Governors to serve in numerous capacities for the betterment of Maryland communities at large; one of the Founding Members of the Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development, Inc. (SWED); Member of Wicomico County Council 1972-1974; appointed by Governor Spiro Agnew to represent the State of Maryland on a Trade Mission to Seven European Countries, 1967; Member and Trustee of Delmarva Evangelistic Church. Robert loved go-kart racing with his kids and attending NASCAR races with close friends.
He was an accomplished hydro-plane boat racer, like to travel and camp with his late wife Shirley and family. He also enjoyed dancing with the love of his life Shirley. He never missed a grandchild’s sporting event, school activity or dance recital.
In his later years, he was a mentor to his grandchildren, especially Patrick, as well as many others. He enjoyed sharing popcorn and ice cream with his great-granddaughter Finley. He was a Christ-follower, who loved the Lord and went on several mission trips including Russia, Israel, Central America and Caribbean Islands.
Robert is survived by son, Robert Marion (Valerie) Lawrence Jr.; two daughters, Richie Marie Lawrence, Dixie Lawrence (Mike) Pinette; two grandsons, Patrick Robert (Erin) Pinette, Michael Zachary (Bethany) Pinette; two granddaughters, Nikki (Brandon) Havas, Nadia Lawrence; Great-granddaughter, Finley Havas; Sister, Sharon (Steve) Jacobs. Robert is preceded by his loving wife, Shirley Rhodes Lawrence; father, Paul Richard Lawrence; mother, Marie Behrens Lawrence. A Public Visitation will be on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 5:00-7:00pm at Holloway Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 12:00pm at Delmarva Evangelistic Church, 408 Gordy Rd, Salisbury, MD 21804, burial immediately following at Wicomico Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s honor may be made to Delmarva Evangelistic Church or Wicomico Nursing Home at 900 Booth St., Salisbury, MD 21801. Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www. HollowayFH.com .
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