Michael Joseph Lawrence

Michael Joseph Lawrence, 58, of Gulfport, Miss., formerly of Maumelle, Ark., died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013 in Gulfport, Miss. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ann Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Casey Lawrence of Lithia, Fla., one brother, Jack Lawrence of Fayetteville, Ark., one sister, Shaun Anderson of West Helena, Ark., fiancée, Janet Shaw Lawrence of Gulfport, Miss., niece, Jessica Ayers of Dallas, Texas, three nephews, John Lawrence and David Lawrence both of Fayetteville, Ark. and Charles Roscopf of Dallas, Texas. Mike "Moo" Lawrence grew up in Warren, Ark., where he is a member of the Lumberjack Hall of Fame and is still remembered for his outstanding athletic ability, excelling in football, basketball, baseball, and track. In 1973, his senior year of high school, Mike won the Arkansas State Decathlon as he smashed the previous state record by 650 points and held that record for twelve years. He was heavily recruited by college football teams and chose to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs where he again gained notoriety for his tenacious ability on the gridiron as their star defensive back. Unfortunately, his football career left him with mangled knees, so Mike, between work and family, focused on the less physically demanding sport of golf. He became quite accomplished on the links and never lost his passion for the sport. Mike graduated from Mississippi State University in 1978 and later returned to Arkansas where he worked side by side with father in his construction company, Valco, Inc. Upon his father's retirement he and his brother, Jack, formed Lawrence Brothers where Mike continued to make inroads within the highly competitive construction industry. Loved by all who know him, Mike will be remembered for his gregarious and friendly nature, his quick wit, and his ability to make those around him smile. Because Mike shared his mother's deep love of animals, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Humane Society of the Delta, P.O. Box 3218, West Helena, Ark. 72390, www.humanesocietyofthedelta.org. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211. A graveside service will be held on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Riverwood Memorial Gardens. A visitation and reception will follow at the Maumelle Country Club, 100 Club Manor Drive Maumelle, Ark. 72113. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal