Mr. James Edward McLaurin was born June 6, 1935.  He departed his life on August 27, 2018 at Forsyth Medical Center following a long period of illness.

He attended the local schools, graduated from Atkins High School, and attended Russell Commercial School.  He was a veteran of the US Army and was a retired employee with thirty years of service at Roadway Trucking Company.

He was a member of the Cyclops Social Club and the Phylaxis Fraternity.  James was the Past Master Ionic Lodge #72, PH; Honorary Past Grand Master, PH; and Honorary Past Imperial Potentate, PH.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lula Carpenter; sister, Dorothy Moore; and brothers, Walter and Elvie.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 58 years, Lucy Hairston McLaurin; two sons, Alvin (Bertha) and Cedric (Tina); grandchildren, Tafari (Nathan) Brooks, Shannon (Chris) Riley, Ashleigh, Tiffany, Kayla, Chance, and Avion; twelve great-grandchildren; brother, Eddie (Nancy); three sisters-in-law, Cordelia H. Nance, Rosamond H. Penn, and Olivia (James) Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and many friends.

James will be sorely missed by his loved ones and friends.

The rites of Shriners #170 and Consistory #64 will be held at 6:00pm Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Greater Church.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Tuesday at the Church.  Final rites of Ionic #72, PHA will be held on Tuesday following the services.