Dates
Lawrence Ronald Wilson was born on November. 8th, 1932 in Big Spring, TX to Ara May Norrell and Robert Lee Wilson. Lawrence went to be with his creator on Monday, December 16th, 2019. He was the eighth child in a big and loving family. This is where his passion for family was instilled at a very young age. Lawrence attended Big Spring High School, where he graduated in 1950. His first job was as a Movie Theatre Usher making just a few cents a day. He spent his summers doing manual work with his family’s Construction company and loved spending this time with his older brothers despite how tough the labor was and how much teasing was involved. These experiences encouraged hard work, which would be the theme of his life. Upon graduating from high school, Lawrence attended Texas Tech University where he studied Electrical Engineering. In 1953, he joined the Air Force where he obtained a second Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mathematics. During his time in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Patricia Jeanne Dickson of San Angelo, TX. These two would spend the next 61 years together. Their first date was to see the movie Around the World in 80 Days. Soon after, they were married on June 2nd, 1957 and would begin their own journey around the world. Lawrence and Jeanne had two children, Lawrence Ronald Wilson Jr. and Kelley Elizabeth Wilson. Lawrence’s successful career allowed them to live and travel as a family all over the United States and Europe, while making wonderful memories together. There was nothing more important to Lawrence than his family. Spending time with the people he loved was all he would ever need in his life. He was out numbered for many years, as his daughter Kelley gave him four granddaughters. This may have intimidated some men, but for him, he loved a challenge. He instilled in them a few of his values – integrity, hard work, independence, and the importance of a good sense of humor. Lawrence loved to travel to new places. He enjoyed Shakespeare, British Comedy, and all kinds of music. He was a very talented puzzler, solitaire champion, Turtle candy connoisseur, and bridge player. He had the ability to accomplish any task given to him ranging from building a tree house to building a television. When you ask people who knew Lawrence, they would tell you that Lawrence was brilliant, generous, logical, and genuine. Lawrence touched the lives of so many and is leaving the world a much better place than when he arrived.
Lawrence is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Jeanne Wilson; father and mother, Robert Lee Wilson and Ara May Norrell; his three sisters, Margaret Louise Hughes, Ara Elsie Caywood, and May Dell Johnston; four brothers, Charles Eugene Wilson, Jack Carrington Wilson, Robert Earl Wilson, and Ralph Raymond Wilson; granddaughter, Kristen Leigh Millican and grandson, Tomi Wilson. Lawrence is survived by his son and daughter, Lawrence Ronald Wilson Jr. and Kelley Wilson Millican; his granddaughters, Katie Renee Gully, Kara Noel King, and Kayla Taylor Millican; grandson in law, Wade Houston King, and great grandchildren, Kelton Ethan Gully, Kaden Lawrence Lee Gully, Raia Cebele Avants, and Oliver Hanley Taylor.
Lawrence’s family invites you to his graveside burial service on Thursday, December 19th at 2:00pm at Belvedere Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be a viewing for friends and family on Wednesday, December 18th from 5:00-7:00pm at Johnson’s Funeral Home.