John Moore Lawrence Jr.

John Moore Lawrence, Jr., 96, of Brentwood, TN died peacefully at his home after an extended illness, on August 27, 2023. He was the son of the late John Moore Lawrence, Sr. and Ava Vann Lawrence of Nashville. John graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1945 and attended Vanderbilt University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he served as a Medical Tech. In 1951, John married Chickie Rowes, the love of his life. In addition to raising their four children, they enjoyed gardening, entertaining friends and hosting extended family reunions every year in Gatlinburg, TN, the same city where they spent their honeymoon. John opened the first Midas Muffler Shops in Nashville, later taking a position with L. M. Berry & Co, where he retired as a District Manager in 1989. Upon retirement, John and Chickie started golfing together, often traveling for weekend golf excursions with friends, which included a few side trips to area casinos. Known by many as “Papa John”, John always put his family first. He had many friends who appreciated his effervescent personality, sense of humor, positive attitude, and sense of adventure. For his 91st birthday, he ziplined in the Smokey Mountains, repelling 60 feet down the platforms with no fear! He was an active member of the Cathedral of the Incarnation until his health declined. He was the primary caregiver for his late wife, as well as for her mother and sister. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Chickie in 2011; his sister, Elaine Colbert in 2020; his brother, Harry Lawrence in 2021; sister-in-law, Sandy Lawrence in 2022; and his son, Christopher Mark Lawrence in 2023. John is survived by his daughter, Leslie Pippin (Steve); sons, Gary Lawrence (Susan) and John M. Lawrence III; granddaughters, Lindsay Baleka (Vince) and Cassidy Spaulding. Special thanks to John’s faithful caregivers, Linda Cooper, Henry Beasley, Jackie Patton, and Martha Ermias. Also, a special thank you to Belinda and Steve Moore. Visitation will be at the Cathedral of The Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave., in Nashville, on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 9-10, with full Mass at 10:00am. Visitation will continue after Mass from 11-12 in the Fleming Center. Honorary Pallbearers are Bucky Tate, Tommy Griffith, Joe Griffith, Louis Suttle, and Kenny Bradley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Woundedwarriorproject.org PHILLIPS-ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME, (615)262-3312.

John Moore Lawrence Jr.

August 15, 1927 - August 27, 2023