Mr. Silas Thomas Lawrence, age 71, of Franklin passed away Sunday February 18, 2018.

A memorial service will be conducted Thursday February 22, 2018 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Stutts Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Arnell officiating.

The family will accept guests at Stutts Funeral Home from 12:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service.

Mr. Lawrence was born August 20, 1946 in Paulding County, GA to the late Joseph Thomas Lawrence and Katie Bell Moore Shinpaugh. He was a Baptist by faith.

He worked hard to take care of his family, and retired from the city of Union City after 37 years of service as a truck driver.

His family was always at the center of his life. He loved them deeply, and was especially caring for his wife, who had developed bad health recently. Family gatherings for a hearty meal were among his most precious times.

He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help his fellow man in times of need. He enjoyed carrying on a conversation with anyone willing to listen.

In his free time, he loved to go for a ride and spend time outdoors. He also relished sitting down and enjoying a good cigarette. Time was very important to him. He owned an atomic clock that he checked very often.

Survivors include: his wife, Shirley Lawrence of Franklin; one daughter, Sherry Collins of Franklin; one son, George Lawrence of Columbus; eight grandchildren; two sisters: Nancy Marella (Jerry) of Franklin and Carol Dean of Franklin; and a number of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-son, Lonnie Banks; one sister, Joyce Lawrence; and two brothers: Dennis Lawrence and Arnold Shinpaugh.