Obituary of Harry Lee Lawrence

Harry Lee Lawrence, 76, of Monticello, passed away on May 6, 2021 from an unexpected heart attack.  Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all his children.

The son of the late Richard Lawrence and Lee Postell Lawrence, he was born December 7, 1944 in Wilmington, NC.

A veteran of the United States Army, Harry was a retired police officer for the Monticello Police Dept in which his son Michael Lawrence Davis has followed in his footsteps. As a young man, Harry enjoyed playing and watching sports.  He loved living in Monticello, so after retiring from the Police Dept he continued to help his community at the Abbott House where he retired.  Harry’s mission in life was to help youth build a brighter future. His two most favorite hobbies were smoking on a Wooden Tabaco Pipe and Bass Fishing on his boat with his family and friends -  a Monticello rainy day was always the time of his life.  He also loved to cook homemade spaghetti sauce that was out of this world.  The most important thing to remember about Harry is his ability and compassion to listen and help others.  His hilarious sense of humor made you laugh so hard that it would make you cry.

Harry was a proud father to his children: Bonita Coleman, Vincente Lawrence, Roxanna Lawrence, Tanya Lawrence, Michael Lawrence Davis, Nicole Lawrence, and a loving Papa to his 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings:  Joyce Baker, Doris Gay, Ann Young, Simmie Johnson, and Otha Lawrence.  He was predeceased by Mildred Mathis, Veronica Lawrence, Naomi Lawrence, and Richard Lawrence Jr.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 11 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Due to the current health crisis, social distancing guidelines must be met - a limited number of people at one time will be allowed in the funeral home, and facemasks are required. Interment of his ashes with military honors will be held on Friday, May 14 at 1:00pm at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery in Liberty.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com