Dalmon Earl “Big Dal” Lawrence, Jr.

Dalmon Earl “Big Dal” Lawrence, Jr., 59 of Morehead City, passed away peacefully at the Crystal Coast Hospice House in Newport on Sunday, August 27, 2017.

His service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Morehead City officiated by the Dr. Nate Leonard and Reverend Darrell Williams.

Dalmon was born on December 2, 1957 to Dalmon Earl Lawrence, Sr. and Annette Merrill Lawrence of Morehead City, NC. Dalmon will always be remembered as “Big Dal” for his big heart filled with love.  His passion for his family, friends, food and his faith were most important in his day to day life. He had a special relationship with his mother, Annette, and his sister, Melanie. Dalmon was lovingly known as “Jr.” to many friends. But, his favorite name was “Dad”. Trey, Meredith, Riley and Jaxon knew that each one was his favorite. His heart condition only intensified how important relationships and people were to him.

Dalmon’s testimony of trust and faith were revealed to him many times. He felt the Holy Spirit living in him and opened himself to this completely. He fulfilled the definition of tenacity and this is the legacy he leaves with us.

Graduating from West Carteret High School in 1976, he stayed close with his classmates and the athletic directors and was attentive to the needs of the athletic facilities. Dalmon lettered in golf, football, basketball, and baseball. He was All Conference selection in baseball and a Coach’s Award recipient. He attended East Carolina University for two years and played in the Semi-Pro Coastal Baseball League for four years. His love of sports was evident as he volunteered as a Jayvee and Varsity Coach at West Carteret High School and was honored with both the Gannon Talbert Award and Dick Lockey Award. Dalmon loved the East Carolina University Pirates and joked many times about bleeding Purple and Gold. He also was inducted into the West Carteret High School Hall of Fame for his support of athletics with time and money and talent.  He loved giving and provided equipment materials and still had dreams for more with the baseball field.

Dalmon used his passion to open Big Dal’s Sport Grill in the late 1980’s. He brought together his love of food and cooking with his love of youth and athletics. He was also known in the community as a general contractor for 31 years.

Most recently, Dalmon was presented the Key to the City by Morehead City Mayor Jerry Jones at a dinner with close family and friends. Mayor Jones added that this key symbolized Dalmon’s life and legacy of giving more to the community than Dalmon really gave himself and summed it up with, “you’ve touched our hearts”.

Dalmon is survived by his mother, Annette Merrill Lawrence of Morehead City; daughters, Meredith Lawrence Chisenhall and son-in-law, Lonnie of Morehead City, Riley Addison Lawrence of Morehead City; sons, Dalmon Earl “Trey” Lawrence, III of Morehead City, Jaxon Miles Lawrence of Morehead City; grandchildren, Cutter, Cannon and Loftin Chisenhall all of Morehead City; sister, Melanie Marcotte and brother-in-law, Paul of Morehead City; aunts, Marilyn Weger of Morehead City, Linda Woosley of Newport; uncle, Fred Merrill and wife, Lee of Louisiana; cousins, Vanda Tougas of Texas, Piper Merrill of Texas, Donnie Weger of Cary, Kim Lewis of Cary, Lynette Ross of Beaufort; nephews, Frank Galizia, Jr. of New Bern, Christopher Galizia and fiancé Lisa Foisy of Morehead City; great-nephew, Christian Galizia of Morehead City; step-great nieces and nephews, Mackenzie, Peyton and Jaxon Whitaker all of Morehead City.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dalmon Lawrence, Sr.

The family wishes to express gratitude for all the support and love shown to them during these last few years. As well as to Dalmon’s special friends and the staff at Crystal Coast Hospice House this past week.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations can be made in Dalmon’s name to the West Carteret Athletics / Memo: Dalmon Lawrence Future Baseball Concession / Restroom at WCHS 4700 Country Club Road, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.