Michael A. Lawrence

Michael A. Lawrence, 59, of Abilene, passed away Monday, June 27, 2011 at sunrise, with his wife Bess, by his side. Mike was born June 12, 1952 to Gladys (Buske) and David Lawrence in Abilene, Texas. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1970 and Abilene Christian College (now ACU) in 1974. The summer of 1973 he went to work for Pete McKee, Bess's father. At Pete's encouragement and pushing they met and fell in love. Mike married Bess Marie McKee June 30, 1975 at Elmwood West United Methodist Church in Abilene. They were soon to celebrate their 36th anniversary. Mike worked as a Machinist for 23 years for NADEP in North Carolina and because of failing health retired early, moving back to Texas. He loved his church in Morehead City, North Carolina and when the doors were open Mike and Bess were there. His family includes his wife, Bess of Abilene; his in-laws, Annabet Vestal and James Vestal of North Carolina, Juanita and Jim Harrington of Canada, Laura and Jim Weber of Abilene, Pleas Jr. and Debbie McKee of Campbell, Texas, Mike Forrester of Abilene and Joe Frank and Kelly McKee of North Carolina; his brother, Larry Lawrence and wife Betty of Houston; 12 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous cousins and hundreds of friends. Funeral services, with Tim Channell officiating, will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kevin McSherry, Jonathan Gibbs, Chris Knapp, James Vestal, Jim Harrington and Tyler Channell. Memorials may be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 So. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605; or to the donor's favorite charity. Mike was a Christian man, never passing judgment, and loved his friends. Everyone was a friend to Mike. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He was soft spoken, never a harsh word, and was the first to lend a hand. We will miss him. "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalms 136:1