Frederick Reid (Fred) Lawrence died on Friday, February 19 at The Inn at Quail Haven, Pinehurst, NC after months of declining health.
Lawrence was born in Sanford to Alice Pender and Thaddeus Mayo Lawrence.
Following graduation from high school, he attended North Carolina State University. His first career position was with Mutual of New York Life Insurance as a field underwriter. He was twice named Southeastern Underwriter of the Year and was a member of “The Million Dollar” roundtable for many years.
His first love, however, was real estate development and that led him to Moore County and Seven Lakes which he founded in 1972. The Seven Lakes community was his passion and home. Fred loved to eat at various restaurants locally and across the country and always said it was “the best he has ever eaten." Other hobbies included playing with the grandchildren, hunting, poker night, and visiting with friends.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, and five brothers. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary York Lawrence, two children: Pat Harrison and husband Larry, Joel Lawrence and friend Carolyn Turner; one brother, Joseph T. Lawrence and wife Betty, sister-in-law Isabel Lawrence; six grandchildren Sarah Franklin and husband Jason, Carrie Barber and husband Lance, Preston Stackhouse and wife Lora, Paige Harris and husband Matt, Joanna Baumgart and husband Rob and Tabitha Jones. Lawrence is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Fred was a faithful member of the West End United Methodist Church and nurtured his Christian spirit under the leadership of his pastor and friend, Reverend Dr. Won Namkoong.
The family would like to give special thanks to Fred’s brother-in-law, Glenn York and wife Evelyn of Sanford and their family for all their diligent care and attention during his illness. The family would also like to recognize the caring and loving staff of Quail Haven and the support offered by First Health Hospice.
Services will be held on Friday, February 26 at 11:00 am at West End United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. Following the visitation, a private family service will be held at the Seven Lakes Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest that memorials may be made to West End United Methodist Church Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, PO Box 276, West End, NC 27376 or to First Health Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes is serving the family.
