Michael Bennett Lawrence

Mr. Michael "Mike" B. Lawrence, age 72, of Melrose passed away at his home Monday, April 4, 2016. He was born in Jacksonville on July 16, 1943 to the late Oscar and Julia (Dollar) Lawrence and had served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he was a Paratrooper. Mr. Lawrence was a lifelong resident of Melrose graduating from Melrose High School, he then attended University of Massachusetts at Amherst and attended Graduate School at the University of Florida. He began his career in 1978 as a Radiologist with the V. A. Hospital in Gainesville until he retired in 2003. Mr. Lawrence was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Melrose and was active with the Melrose Library Association; he enjoyed growing peppers, herbs, gravestone rubbings and reading history. His son Charles "Brendan" Lawrence and the mother of his children, Sharon Norton-Flory had both preceded him in death. Mr. Lawrence is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Huff of High Springs, Christine McMullen-Marvin of Deland and Shannon Sanchez of Moore, South Carolina; one cousin Ray White and six grandchildren. A memorial service for Mr. Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016 in the Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be private at Eliam Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Melrose Library Association, P.O. Box 54, Melrose, FL 32666.Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Eliam Cemetery 861 State Road 21 North Melrose FL 32666 US Memorial Service Friday, April 8, 2016 2:00 PM - Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL 32656 US (352) 473-3176 Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176