Reverend Lawrence Paul Carvana, Sr. stepped into Glory early in the morning on November 11, 2023, at his home in Pfafftown, North Carolina. He was a faithful and devoted husband for almost 60 years to the love of his life, Barbara Hawkins Carvana, who preceded him in death in 2018. Together, they created, raised, and unconditionally loved a family of nine children. They taught their eight boys and one girl to be kind, work hard, respect themselves, to love one another and to love God.

Rev. Carvana was born in Manhattan, N.Y. on February 23, 1939. His only brother, the late Rev. Angelo Carvana preceded him in death. His father, the late Laurence Publius Carvana immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15 from Vanessa, Malta and settled in New York. In 1936 he met and married Rev. Carvana's mother, the late Irene Mendenhall Carvana of Concord N.C.

In the early 1940's, Rev. Carvana's mother returned home with her two sons. His mother had a large, tight knit family and he was very close to his grandfather, Mr. A.D. Mendenhall, who he called "Pappi." He talked often about how his aunts and their husbands doated on him.  Rev. Carvana graduated from Dudley High School in Greensboro N.C. in 1957. He started his higher education studies at North Carolina Central University and earned his degree in Christian Education from Piedmont College in 1983.

Rev. Carvana and his wife joined Friendship Baptist Church in the late 1960's. He loved his church family and served faithfully for decades. He was a born-again believer whose zeal for the true gospel of Christ led him to be ordained into the ministry in 1984. He was known for his quick, heartwarming smile and loving kindness. His sermons were thoughtful, well-researched and celebrated God's love, God's Son, and God's plan for salvation. Rev. Carvana was an Associate Pastor of Friendship Baptist where his wise counsel and warmth were treasured by his Senior Pastors, other ministers, and members. He also served a year as an interim Pastor in Mocksville and for two years at First Baptist Church in Concord.

His growing family and strong work ethic led Rev. Carvana to succeed in several industries. He joined the furniture hardware finishing company Bassick-Sack in 1967. Rev. Carvana worked his way up from the foundry to Shipping Supervisor to front office Inventory Control Analyst. He and his staff were an essential partner of the High Point Furniture Market. Promoted to Executive Plant Manager in 1984, he led the company until a merger closed it in 1986. Not one to stay idle, Rev. Carvana worked as a carpenter for the Forsyth County School System until he retired in 1993.
Rev. Carvana's love for barbering begin at an early age in his uncle's shop in Concord. In his 20's he earned his Master Barber's license from Winston-Salem Barber College. He partnered with Winston-Salem barber, Mr. Frank Brown, a trusted friend and father figure. Together, the two men ran a cozy barber shop on Patterson Avenue until Mr. Brown's death. Rev. Carvana then moved his barbershop to the corner of 14th and Old Cherry Street in downtown Winston-Salem.

Equipped with his pearl-handled, German steel straightedge razor, horse bristle brush, and lather bowl, Rev. Carvana's skillful shaves and precision cuts were well-known throughout the community. He was proud that his barbershop was also an inviting gathering spot for the community and known for its strong coffee, laughter, friendship and mutual love and respect. Life-long friends, family, community leaders and dignitaries would drop in just for Rev. Carvana's down-to-earth advice. As his clients aged, he made it a point to offer at-home barbering visits. He closed his shop in 2009 and joined his youngest son, Carlos' barbering business, the Oval Office, in Winston-Salem.

Affectionately referred to as "Dad" or "Grandaddy", he was cherished by 23 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was also known as "Uncle Lawrence," by numerous nieces and nephews. He excelled as a father to his nine children, ensuring their well-being. He delighted in giving his wife flowers and sharing his favorite treats like black licorice and nuts with his children. In his leisure, he enjoyed watching westerns, having laughter-filled conversations with his family, or cooking up a pot of his father's authentic spaghetti, complete with real Italian sausage and lots of thin-sliced fresh garlic.

Rev. Carvana was greatly loved and will be cherished by his nine adoring children, Leander Franklin Baltimore (Mariana), Barbara Marie Carvana, Lawrence Paul Carvana, Jr. (Joyvon), Angelo LeDell Carvana (Tonia), Andre Leonard Carvana, Kelvin LaMonte Carvana, Martino Wayne Carvana, Sr. (Cynthia), Timothy Pierre Carvana (Valerie), and Carlos Jevon Carvana; his 23 grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Kimberly (Kevin) - Jenae, Kevin Jr. and Katalina; Neriah; Terrell – Christian, Treavor, Lauryn and Kortney; Angel and Noelle; Lawrence and Joseph; Martino Wayne, Jr. (deceased), Marissa, Marty, Angelina and Samuel; Mayleigh and Danica; Marina Araujo (Simon) - Simon and Giovanna Nascimento; along with many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends too numerous to list.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, November 17, 2023 in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.