Joe Lawrence Obituary

Joe Marion Lawrence, Jr., 82, of Columbia, SC passed away on September 23, 2025 after a short battle with Leukemia. Born on July 1, 1943, he was the son of Joe Marion Lawrence, Sr. and Celeste Hersey Lawrence. He is survived by his wife Peggy Miller Lawrence. He was predeceased by his daughter Margaret "Molly" Lawrence Roddey and son Joe "Jody" Marion Lawrence, III. He is also survived by his brother Charles "Chuck" Lawrence and his wife Donna, his children Michael (Nathalia) and Monica Chandler. Also surviving him are his grandchildren; Frank IV, William and Elizabeth Roddey, his best buddy as he called him Michael Abram Chandler and his littlest one Chandler Lawrence Vacha, nephews Todd (Kim), Cody (Corinna) and John (Miranda) Lawrence, along with many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Joe graduated from Dreher High School in 1961 and attended The University of South Carolina. He retired from The State newspaper and served six years in the Air National Guard. He was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church for over 50 years. His biggest joy was working with the Youth Mission Project for more than 30 years serving the people of Hollywood, SC. He was a member of the George Huggins' Sunday School class and served as past president. Joe loved the Gamecocks and enjoyed many years going to football, men and women's basketball but the best ones were going to Omaha to see our baseball team not only play but to see them win their second national championship. He enjoyed traveling to Germany and Maui but his favorite was going to Alaska and visiting Denali National Park. Joe loved hunting and cherished his time at "The Cabin" with his buddies Charlie, Johnny and several others. Time spent in a deer stand was time spent with nature. We would like to thank the staff at SCOA, Lexington Medical Infusion and MUSC on Forest Drive for their excellent care. Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shandon Youth Mission Project in care of Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205.