Willie Douglas Lawrence, 88, peacefully slipped into his eternal slumber on September 4, 2025 after an extended illness. He was born on May 21, 1937 to the late Estelle Lawrence in Calhoun County, South Carolina. Willie was preceded in death by his mother and son, Wesley DeVole Lawrence.

He previously attended Alpha and Omega Church of Faith. While in attendance, Willie faithfully worked in the church's food pantry ministry.

Willie was raised and educated in Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools and graduated from the historic Atkins High School in 1955. After graduating from high school, Willie enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 2, 1956 serving at multiple Air Force bases in Libya, North Carolina's Seymour Johnson, The Philippines, Warner Robins, Georgia, Spain, Arizona, and California. He honorably retired on October 31, 1979 with a combined 36 total years of service. After his honorable retirement from the United States Air Force, Willie settled in Winston-Salem. Willie retired with the rank of Master Sergeant.

For more than 62 years, Willie was happily married to his beloved wife, Mamie Rutledge Lawrence. From this union they raised 2 children: Wesley D. Lawrence (deceased) and Wistel D. Lawrence.

Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Estelle Lawrence, and son, Wesley D. Lawrence.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mamie R. Lawrence, and daughter, Wistel Lawrence of the home. Locally he is survived by his nephew, John W. Huntley, III (Joy) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; niece, Sophia Huntley Black (Perrin) of Kernersville, North Carolina; nephew, La'Shun A. Huntley (Monica), of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; cousin and family of Clare Lyles Bravette of Winston-Salem,  Regeania Huntley of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Monday at the Chapel.