Cecil Lawrence

Cecil Royal Lawrence, 81, of Harkers Island passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Cecil Royal Lawrence, born May 18, 1935, was the youngest of eight children born to Elijah and Ruhamah Lawrence. Cecil grew up on a farm in Otway, NC.  He spent his childhood years helping and working on the farm.  As he grew older he decided he would follow in his older brothers footsteps and work on a dredge boat.  However, he quickly learned this was not the career he was meant to do.  Cecil had a love for racing and all things automotive.  He worked for Hardesty and Parker Motors for years.  Cecil worked for over 29 years for NADEP Cherry Point as a machinist, retiring in 1995.  Cecil met the love of his life, Rena Pearl Gaskill, at just 16 years old.  Two years later they were married.  Into this union, one daughter, Cecila, was born.  Cecil loved the Lord.  He faithfully attended Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church for many years.  In his later years, as his health was declining, Cecil remained positive and would always say “It could always be worse”.

A funeral service for Cecil will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Paul Loftin and Mr. Anthony Nelson officiating. Interment will follow at Vergie Mae Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rena Lawrence, of the home; daughter, Cecila Lawrence Smith and husband Tommy of Harkers Island; granddaughter, Allison Smith Guthrie and husband Joshua of Harkers Island and the light of his life, great-granddaughter; Carrington Grace Guthrie; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Cecil will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Harkers Island Pentecostal Holiness Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Ruhamah Lawrence; brothers, David Lawrence, Paul Lawrence, Swindell Lawence, Walton Lawrence, and Earl Lawrence; sisters, Mildred Lawrence and an infant sister.

Cecil will be missed by all who knew him.  The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Especially, the staff at Crystal Coast  Hospice House and his special caregivers; Cinda Griffin, Erma Willis, Carol Davis, Beverly Scadden, and Melissa Willis.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory, Morehead City, NC.