Ralph Walker Lawrence

Ralph Walker Lawrence, 80, of Bettie, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Carteret Healthcare.

A funeral service will be at 3:00 Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Woodville Baptist Church with Rev. Terry McInnis officiating.  Interment to follow at Woodville Church Gardens.

Ralph joined the Coast Guard in 1952 when he was just seventeen years old; he retired after 25 years of service in 1977 as a Commander.  He was employed with the NCDOT ferry division as a ferry boat Captain in 1978.  He also served as Captain aboard several ferries on the Cedar Island to Okracoke Ferry run.  Later he worked in the ferry division office as assistant to the director, where he was involved in the designing of the new ferries, retiring in 1998.  He joined Woodville Baptist Church on Easter Sunday in 1999 where he recommitted his life to Christ.   He was a Sunday school teacher there for twelve years and became a very active member of his church, serving the Lord.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Lawrence of the home; daughter, Tracy Casdorph and husband Doug of Placentia, CA; sons, Ralph “Eddie” Lawrence, James Grady Lawrence and wife Beth and Michael Gordon Hollingsworth all of Bettie, NC; grandchildren, Jennifer Nichole Holt and Savannah Most; and great grandchild, Scarlett Holt.

He was preceded in death by his son, Paul Tyler Lawrence; parents, Ed and Rosa Lawrence; sisters, Pauline Rich and husband Lacy of Cartert County, Sybil Beckner and husband Walt of Sea Level, Nadine McCleary and husband Dick of Richmond, VA and Pearl Willis and husband Joe of Atlantic.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the A.C.T.S. Food Pantry at Woodville Baptist Church, 450 Hwy 70, Beaufort, NC 28516.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Woodville Baptist Church prior to the service.