Lawrence Smith

Lawrence Smith, 81, of Albemarle passed away Monday morning, January 25, 2021 at Atrium Stanly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Norwood.  Rev. Steve Barbee will officiate and burial will follow in Norwood Cemetery.  Lawrence will lie in state at Edwards Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon from 2:00pm until 5:00pm  and  Thursday morning from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Due to COVID, the family request masks and social distancing to keep all attendees safe.

Lawrence was born June 1, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Matthew Lawrence and Cornelia Ellen Carpenter Smith.  He was a graduate of Norwood High School and received an Associate Degree in Accounting  from Stanly Community College.  He proudly served his country in the U S Army.  

Lawrence operated many restaurants in the Stanly County area and was the cafeteria manager at Stanly Regional Hospital for several years.  He also was a tax preparer and owned and operated a variety store in Norwood.  He never met a stranger and will be remembered by his many friends for his wonderful personality. 

He enjoyed attending church at Smith Grove Primitive Baptist, Gleaning Mission and Good News Church.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Taylor Smith; granddaughter, Stephanie Efird; sisters, Mary Kate Bowers and Ann Luther; brothers, Lennox Smith, Robert Smith and Spencer Smith.  

He is survived by his daughter, Marisa Smith Efird and husband, Jeff of Albemarle; sons, Jeff Page and wife Seandee of Weaverville and Barry Page and wife, Joy of Norwood; brother, Melville Smith and wife, Marge of Norwood; grandchildren, Bobbie Efird, Landon Efird and wife Alli, Kara Efird, Brian Page, Jeffrey Page, Katie Page, Mika Parrish and husband, Jon and Morgan Page and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to:  Stanly Community Chrisitan Ministries,506 S First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001, please direct to be used for the Community Shelter or Food Table.

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