Clifford Calvin "Cliff" Lawrence

Clifford Calvin Lawrence, 71, passed away May 20, 2022 at Hancock Medical Center in Bay St. Louis, MS. He was born on April 23, 1951 in San Antonio, TX, the oldest of five children to Clifford Wilbur and Ivy Mae (Lewis) Lawrence. Cliff grew up all over the place, as part of a military family. His father Clifford served four years in the US Navy, and the next 20 in the US Army before his retirement. He enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting, but music was his passion. Cliff learned to play the guitar at an early age, but he didn't stop there. He taught himself how to play anything with strings, and began writing songs as a young man. Cliff had the benefit of attending several schools in his life, and joined the US Coast Guard as a teenager. He was honorably discharged after eight years of service, and worked for some time in the food service industry. Over the years, Cliff has lived in Missouri, Alaska, and finally found "home" in South Mississippi. He was a long-time member of the Ozark Songwriters Association, writing and performing many songs over the years. He is remembered as a very good brother that loved and cared for his family. He did so many things for his sisters, walking Ella down the aisle, bought Carol her fist pair of roller skates, and even gave Linda her first teddy bear. He continued to hunt and enjoyed roller skating, participating on a roller derby team for a few years to boot. Cliff was a lot of things, but his family was always on his mind. He will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. He was preceded by his parents, Cliff & Ivy Lawrence, and his brother Larry. Left to cherish his memories are: his children: Jim (Ashley) Lawrence and Amy Lawrence, both of Springfield, MO, with Holly (Kyle) Wilburding of Rogersville, AR; his sisters: Ella Penton of Carriere, Carol Mills of Huntsville, AL, and Linda (Richard) Seal of Picayune. He leaves a legacy of three grandchildren: Elaina (Matthew) Humphrey, with Nicholas and Leighla Lawrence, along with numerous extended family and friends all over. A memorial service will be held Wednesday evening, May 25th, 6:30 PM at Unity Baptist Church, 3334 Hwy 43 North in Picayune. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. Cliff will be interred at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors on Tuesday, May 31st. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Lawrence family during this difficult time, and asks that you remember them in your prayers over the days to come.