of Marshall, AR
January 26, 1947 - July 29, 2025
Michael Lawrence, 78, passed away peacefully at the Hospice of the Hills in Harrison, Arkansas on July 29, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on January 26, 1947 to Leister Lawrence and Sibyl Massey Lawrence.
Michael lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, a deep commitment to those he loved and his love for the Lord. He worked in the aircraft industry in Little Rock, Arkansas for 20 years and was known for his keen attention to detail, skilled craftsmanship, humbleness and honesty. Michael grew up in Marshall, Arkansas where he was raised with a strong sense of family. His love for his family and the family farm brought him back to his childhood home where he ultimately worked the family cattle business for the next 36 years of his life. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he and his wife, serve as the heart center for their family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Leister and Sibyl Massey Lawrence; his brother, Maurice Lawrence and his sister, Martha Kasselman.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Dean Ragland Lawrence; Their children, Sandy Lawrence-Morgan (Steven) and Robin Mays (Jeff). He has two grandchildren, Catherine Elrod (Alex) and Sarah Mays. He also leaves behind a large extended family and many dear friends.
Though the past ten months have been marked by illness, Michael met each challenge with grace and dignity, never complaining and was always thankful for the time he had. He remained the strong presence his family knew him to be until the very end.
Funeral services for Michael will be 11:00 AM Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Gary Ragland and Bro. Junior Barnum officiating. Burial will be in Marshall Memorial Gardens. Bearers will be Kim Kasselman, Steve Lawrence, Doug Morrison, Roger Ragland, Bill Ragland and Kevin Ragland. Honorary bearers will be Max Kasselman, Don Treat, Rob Woods, Charles McDaniel, Boss Morrison and Rex Morrison.
Dean & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of
Michael. May our God wrap His big arms around all of you and wipe every tear and give you peace and comfort.
In God's Loving you are Blessed
Nelson and Betty Ragland & Family
Sandy , so sorry for your loss, praying for you and your family. Love the Blankenship's
So sorry for loss of your Dad. Prayers are goin up for all of you❤️🙏❤️
Prayers for the entire family
Dean, I am so, so sorry. I hate that my health has kept me from visiting. I think of you often, and what wonderful neighbors you have been. My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers.
Prayers of comfort for family and friends
Sandy,
May the Spirit of your Dad's Life and Love bring you and your family Graceful Blessings.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. We are so sad to lose such a good neighbor.
We are so sorry for your loss. We send our condolences to each of you and pray that God will wrap his arms around you and give you peace at this time.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all. Sandy and Robin, I know your Daddy was a strong man who fought so hard to stay with you. I hope you find comfort knowing he is in Heaven now.
Your parents were always so kind and welcoming to me. Much love to you and your mom and the girls.
I went to school with Mike
in the class of 1965. I liked him very much.
I am so sorry for your loss. May Mike rest in peace.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I did not know he had been sick. My prayers go up for you Dean and I pray for God to comfort you and your family. May HE bless you with good memories and comfort in the days ahead.
Ms Dean and Robin, we are so very sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers in the coming days. And please reach out for any needs.
A truly great man. Praying for Mrs Lawrence and family.
I'am so sorry for your loss my heart aches for you all. We are praying for God to give you peace comfort and healing .We love you all❤️❤️
We are so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you during this difficult time. May God Bless each one of you.
My dad will forever miss those daily calls with Michael! He was such a big part of our daily conversations!
Peace, love and comfort in the coming days!
We thought so much of Micheal. He was a good man and neighbor. Praying for Dean and family.
Dean, my heart hurts for you and your family. You are in my every thought and prayer.
So sorry to hear about Mike. I've known Mike for many years and found him to be a good man.
RIP So very sorry
I'm so sorry to read this obituary and my Brother James has been keeping me posted on how he's doing and told me last night he had passed away. I never met your husband but what little I heard about him, he was a wonderful man and my condolences thoughts to prayers go out to you and your daughters may God be with you and comfort your broken heart '"-🙏❤️sending much love and prayers -🙏❤️
So very sorry for your loss! Praying for the Lord to give you grace, mercy and peace!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce thought the world of him. He will definitely be missed.
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your precious loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your precious loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I knew your dad all my life and never knew of him doing anyone wrong. He will be missed.
I am so sorry for your loss. My family has always thought so much of your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss, and we extend our sincerest condolences and prayers of strength and peace for you, Dean, and your daughters. Even though we didn't see Michael often, we both have fond memories of going to school with Michael, especially, being in physics class with him and Leighton. That was a tough class and we both remember those two cousins suffering through it with the rest of us. Michael was always a good, solid, and kind person and friend.
We are sorry to hear about Mike. He was a great classmate at Marshall High School class of 1965. Our love and prayers for all the family.❤️🙏
Aunt Dean, so terrible sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, your girls and the family during this time. We love you all so much. Sending hugs and prayers during this time. ❤️
Michael was someone I just loved to be around. He had a great sense of humor, and I remember how much I enjoyed spending time with him and my Uncle Troy during hay and hunting season…we had some of the best laughs together! I'm going to miss him so much, and I'm so sorry to all the family and friends of such a great man.
Dean, I am very sorry Mike, you and your family had to go through so much these past months. I pray for your peace and comfort now and in days to come. Janice & Rachel
We are so sorry for the family's loss- praying for all - he was a fine man
Robin, Mrs Dean
We are so sorry to hear this. Prayers for you and your family. He will be missed greatly ❤️🩹
Dean and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My forever memories of my best friends dad, Michael Lawrence, growing up at Fourche Dam & beyond are that he has always been a man of integrity, standing tall, strong, firm, & honest! What a great example he is to all of us. Look forward to the day that we will greet each other again in our Fathers kingdom. Rest well Mr. Lawrence '
My forever memories of my best friends dad, Michael Lawrence, growing up at Fourche Dam & beyond are that he has always been a man of integrity, standing tall, strong, firm, & honest! What a great example he is to all of us. Look forward to the day that we will greet each other again in our Fathers kingdom. Rest well Mr. Lawrence '
I am so sorry for your loss....my prayers are with Y'all ❤️ '"
Paulette
PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY. I FEEL LIKE I BEEN PART OF THIS FAMILY BECAUSE I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH THEM ON LONG CREEK. WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN SOMEDAY. GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND GIRLS AND THEIR FAMILYS AND GIVE THE ALL COMPFORT THROUGH THIS TIME.
Dean, Sandy, and Robin, we send you all our deepest sympathy and prayers. Michael was a hard working man , and a good member of our families. We will all miss him in our camping trips in the forest, in the fall. We love you all, we know he is home with the Lord, walking with Jesus Christ.
I'm so sorry about your loss! Praying for peace and comfort as you go through the coming days.
Dean, Robin and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God sends you peace and comfort during this hard time.
Love y'all!
Robin I am so sorry for your loss
Mike's family ..I'm glad Mike. Is not suffering anymore! I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven! My prayers for the family. God Bless you all!
Kay Balentine Knight