George Willis Lawrence, 96, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. George was born in Eaton, New Hampshire on March 26, 1927, to the late Howard Gilman and Hazel Ellis Gilman.

In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his wife Velma of 65 years, and his daughter, Kathy Nadeau in 2006, and his brother Sam Gilman

George is survived by his son, Peter Lawrence and wife Heidi of Essex Massachusetts; Granddaughter Devan Lawrence and Dawson and Rebecca Lawrence of White Plains Ny and sister Dottie Benham of Palm Coast Florida.

George was a loving father, brother, and grandfather. Being raised in a small town in northern New Hampshire in what seems to be a different time and era. Life was hard as they were of little means, Indoor plumbing was a luxury unheard of until after he had grown up and entered the military at age 18. A root cellar outside kept their food fresh and there was always a cow and chickens on the tiny farm to give sustenance. Many times, George spoke of working for pennies, tossing hundred-pound sacks of grain onto back of a truck and stacking large piles of hay in the barn. In the wintertime his stepfather was the road agent and George along with others would spread salt on the roadways by hand with shovels and brute strength. No doubt this all contributed to his long and healthy life. George loved the outdoors; he was an avid hunter when he was young having hiked all-around Mt Chocorua, in the day and night in search for white tail deer.

After 4 years in the military and several years of night school, George went to work for the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, He remained a loyal employee for over 30 years, never calling in a sick day. In 1964, and 65 , George and Velma adopted Kathy and Peter , thus beginning a new chapter in their lives. Not long after, George began to study the bible in a quest to find the answers to life's biggest questions. Much to his chagrin, his younger brother had become a fulltime minister with the Jehovah's Witness faith and George was determined to prove him wrong. The opposite happened and George developed a faith in Gods promises that stuck with him for the rest of his life. George keenly looked forward the fulfillment of John 5:28,29 where God promises to eliminate the great Enemy called death and resurrect back to the earth all those in Gods memory. George will be remembered as a kind, generous and loving father.

Baldwin Brothers of Port Charlotte is honored to serve the Lawrence family.