Everett Leroy Lawrence, Jr.

Everett Leroy Lawrence, Jr., age 82, of Austin, Arkansas was born April 22, 1944, at Walnut Ridge, AR, to Everett L Lawrence, Sr. and Irene Lawrence of Swifton, AR.

He is survived by his spouse Shelia Ann Lawrence; daughters, Tammy Lawrence Ruppel (Mark Ruppel) and Lea Ann Lawerence of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren Payton Amelia Ruppel, Parker Ross Ruppel, of Little Rock, AR; brother James Lavoy (Toy) Lawrence (Anna Faye Lawerece), nephews Michael, Trent (Joshlyn Scudder Lawrence), Todd (Victoria), and niece Tracey all from Searcy, AR. Additional nieces and nephews include: Karen Geaslin Williams (Mike Williams), Doyne Geaslin (Deleta), Debbie Geaslin, all from Searcy, AR, and Diane Treat Dodson (Garry Dodson), Mark Treat, Dwight Treat all from Memphis, TN, Kevin Lawrence (Julia) Phoenix, AZ, Cassandra Lawrence Collins and Caroline Lawrence Wilson, from Jonesboro, AR.

He is preceded in death by parents Everett L Lawrence Sr. and Irene Lawrence, Swifton, AR and sister Barbara Treat (Dr. Clifford Treat) Germantown, TN, sister Noretta Geaslin (Arnold) Searcy, AR and brother Tommy Dane Lawrence (Terrie Kell Lawrence) of Jonesboro, AR.

Leroy graduated from Swifton High School in 1963 and in 1966 joined the Air Force. Leroy worked as a jet engine mechanic for the military from active-duty US Air Force 1981 and joined the Air National Guard. As a Chief Master Seargent, he retired from Air National Guard in 1996. For many years, Leroy worked additional jobs as a brick layer, home builder, carpentry and wood worker. Many of his friends would call saying “Leroy can you help me,…..” and he would drop everything to head over in his truck with his tools, tractor or just about anything he needed. He would work tirelessly into the night to help finish the job often after working eight to ten hours per day on the Air Force Base.

Leroy and Shelia bought land off Mt. Carmel in Cabot, AR to build their retirement home in 1993. Both continued to work full-time jobs as they built their home and moving in 1994. Leroy and Shelia enjoyed golfing at Rolling Hills Country Club in Cabot, fishing at Greers Ferry Lake, and visiting friends. Leroy enjoyed hunting with his buddy, Bill Alexander and his son and grandsons. Many will say Leroy had a heart of gold and the patience of Job. He spent many hours teaching his daughters how to woodwork, how to bait a hook, and drive a four-wheeler. Safety measures were Shelia’s domain which sometimes were after the fact. Leroy was and still is a teacher of many things in life and will be missed by his family beyond measure. They know that his faith in God will inspire all.

Leroy and his wife Sheila are long members of Union Valley Baptist Church, Beebe, AR.

Psalms 37:23-24:  23 “The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Union Valley Baptist Church Building Fund 932 Hwy 64 West Beebe, AR 72012

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Union Valley Baptist Church. Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com