Obituaries

Lawrence Frederick McKellips Sr.

Photo of Lawrence Frederick McKellips Sr.
Lawrence Frederick McKellips, Sr., age 92, passed away on Monday October 24, 2016. He was born in Fennville, Michigan on February 14, 1924, the youngest son of David William McKellips and Carrie Vivian Morse. His parents, his brothers, David, Alonzo, Russell, Clyde, Claude and Edward, and his sister Adelaide predeceased him. Lawrence attended school in Michigan and Texas. Lawrence married Vera Ernestine "Tena" Davis on October 13, 1941, in Newport, Arkansas. Over the years they resided in Michigan, California and Arkansas. Lawrence and Tena were married almost 47 years with Tena passing away on August 22, 198l During their marriage they operated McKellips Ornamental Concrete on Hwy 10 as well as the McKellips Family Fireworks stand. Their three children, Betty Mae McKellips, Penrod (John) of Little Rock, Lawrence F. "Larry" McKellips, Jr. (Virginia) of Bigelow and Judy Carol McKellips Fulmer Smith (Marvin) of North Little Rock survive him. Lawrence is also survived by sisters-in-law, Juanita Thresher and Dorothy Davis of Bakersfield, California. In addition Lawrence is survived by his grandchildren, John McKellips, Sr. (Theresa), Sharri Briley, Scott Penrod, Lance McKellips (Elizabeth), Donnie Fulmer (Natasha) and Jeremy Smith, nine great-grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren. His grandchildren by marriage, Donovan Briley, Deborah Swope and Keith Dooley predeceased him. On September 3, 1989 Lawrence married Elli Karoline Beaumont. Elli passed away on May 27, 2009. He is survived by her children, Bo, Mary, Karoline and Suzie and their families. The third love of his life Sue Watkins Webb also predeceased him. Lawrence completed the Electrical Apprenticeship Program in 1951. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 295 receiving his 70 year pin in 2012. He worked as an electrician all of his life and obtained his Master's License in the late 1950's. Lawrence opened McKellips Electric Company in 1960 and closed it in 1981. During those years he was elected Treasurer and Vice President of the National Electrical Contractors Association. He continued to work in the electrical trade until he retired in 1989. He was past Chairman of the Electrical Examination Board for the City of Little Rock. He was in Boot Camp at the Great Lakes U.S. Navy Training Station in Waukegan, Illinois during World War II. He then served as an Electricians' Mate 3rd Class in the ship repair unit in San Diego, California. Lawrence was ultimately stationed in the South Pacific, Admiralty Islands where he received many medals. He was discharged on January 1, 1946. On May 5, 2012 he was recognized, along with other World War II veterans as they arrived in Washington, DC on an Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial in our Nation's capital. Lawrence was a member of Western Star Lodge No. 2. He served as Master of Trinity Lodge No. 694 in 1973. Lawrence received the Pillars of Solomon Award for his outstanding service and dedication to that lodge in 2002. He was recognized in 2006 and was only the 4th person in the history of Trinity Lodge to receive the Medallion of Honor, which was established in 1921. The Medallion is worn by the honoree during his lifetime and then returned to the lodge for presentation to another 33rd degree mason for their service. Lawrence was a member of Bendemeer Grotto and Esther Chapter No 217, Order of Eastern Star. He was a 33rd degree mason of the Scottish Rite Bodies and received his 55th year membership pin in 2016. He was also active in the Scottish Rite Camp Guard. Lawrence had been a 50 year member of Scimitar Shrine Temple until the Shrine and the Grand Lodge split their association. He was a past captain of their Motor Patrol, a past secretary-treasurer of the Bowler's Unit, past president of the Provost Unit, and was recognized as being Shriner of the month. Bowling had been a hobby of Lawrence's since the early 1950s. He was the oldest league bowler at Millennium Bowl with a 505 series. He also loved the Razorbacks and ushered at home games played at War Memorial stadium for over 35 years. Lawrence received his private pilot license in 1947. He still played golf for charity events. He also loved to travel. Lawrence was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He served on the Board of Stewards, was a member of the Prime Timers, and was past Chair of the Older Adult Council, member of the Broadcast Ministries, the Dietz Dialogue Sunday School Class and Cancer Friends. The family wishes to thank Hospice Home Care and Kim and Jennifer for all their support and care. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016. Services will be held Friday October 28, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Street, Little Rock, with the Reverend Lynn Lindsey officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, with honorary pallbearers being the Dietz Dialogue Sunday School Class. Burial with Military and Masonic Honors will follow at Pinecrest cemetery. To sign the online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church's Broadcast Ministries.

Published October 26, 2016

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