|
|
|
Meet Bill and Dorothy Lawrence |
 |
 |
 |
 Ministries supporters and friends will immediately recognize the names of these two special people long dear to all of us. In 1972, busy Tyler attorney William D. Lawrence, Jr., drove to Austin with the papers officially incorporating Don Anderson Ministries as a non-profit organization, and literally walked the documents through the state bureaucracy. In the nearly 30 years since, the Ministries has had no other board chairman than Bill. Now, recently retired from his law practice, Bill has volunteered to stand in the gap for us in a new way: by serving as our in-house business manager and legal and financial advisor.
Veteran World War II bomber pilot Bill met Dorothy at the University of Texas in 1946; they married on September 12, 1948. Dorothy received a BS from UT; Bill graduated from UT with a BBA and earned his JD degree from the SMU school of law. While Bill was in law school, Dorothy supported them by working for the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. After graduation, the young couple, eldest child in tow, moved to Tyler where Dorothy began life as “head of the Lawrence family: housewife, mother, taxi driver, and personal services system.”
The law firm of Lawrence and Lawrence—consisting of Bill’s father, W. Dewey Lawrence; brother, F. Lee Lawrence, and himself—was created in 1951. “At the time,” recalls Bill, “it was referred to as the One Quart law firm: one pint and two half pints.” The firm practiced general civil law in Tyler for 50 years—until it was dissolved in June 2001.
Bill and Dorothy’s civic, charitable, and Christian involvements in the Eat Texas area are many. An Eagle Scout, Bill has served on the board of the East Texas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He has chaired the boards of the Smith County chapters of the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, the Smith County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. he is a member of the Smith County Bar Association (former president) and the Texas Bar Association. Dorothy and he have volunteered with both the Luis Palau Crusade and the Christian Layman’s Seminar. Dorothy has served on the East Texas Symphony board and is a member of the Tyler Junior League. The Bible Study Fellowship veteran has taught Sunday school and served as church historian. The Lawrences are active members of Tyler’s Fifth Street Presbyterian Church (PCA).
Bill and Dorothy are the parents of three children: William David Lawrence and Ann Lawrence Tague, both of Tyler. Another son, Frederick Charles Lawrence, died at six months. Bill and Dorothy have four grandchildren: Dewey and Amanda Lawrence, and twins Spencer and Will Woods.
Bill assumed his new role at the Ministries in June [2001]. His duties include advising on insurance, financial and legal matters—ensuring that our fiscal practices remain in line with principles of good biblical stewardship. He will also oversee board projects, coordinate relationship with other organizations, and generally serve as point man for all business issues.
It is impossible to imagine the Ministries without Bill and Dorothy’s involvement. We are truly blessed that they have chosen to continue making a difference for Christ—with us. Rather than retiring, they are keeping the fire, for Him!
|
|
