William Asbury Lawrence, 85, of South Pittsburg, TN, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Born in Jefferson County, Alabama, he grew up in Hartselle. He served in the US Army Signal Corps during the Korean War.

Bill used his Army skills to get a job with the telephone company, working 38 years for Bell South, retiring in 1991 to enjoy his long and pleasant final years pursuing his childhood hobby of bass fishing.

He was a former member of the South Pittsburg City Commission, a long-time commissioner of the South Pittsburg Housing Authority, and a member of South Pittsburg First Baptist Church.

One of the original volunteers of National Cornbread Festival, Bill enjoyed working through the years with the food vendors, taking advantage of his opportunity to sample their wares.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Durham.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carrye Hudson Lawrence, of South Pittsburg, TN; son, Bill (Christy) Lawrence, Jr., daughter, Julie Lawrence (Milton) Schaefer, son-in-law, Randy Durham, and son, Anthony (Ruby) Gamble; five grandchildren, Molly Schaefer (McLain) Still, Jodi Lawrence, Sarah Durham (Brian) Lorman, Pledger Schaefer and Madison Gamble.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Central time at the South Pittsburg First Baptist Church.

A memorial service will begin at 2:00pm Central time at the church with Rev. Brad Bridgman, Rev. Jeff Lane and Rev. Charlie Campbell officiating. There will be a reception immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Bill was cremated and requested his ashes be spread over his favorite bass fishing spot.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memorial & Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.