Ernest Grey Lawrence

Mr. Ernest Grey Lawrence, Sr., age 98, of Mount Airy, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 26, 1928, in Surry County, to the late Henry Clay Lawrence III and the late Mae Smith Lawrence. Left to cherish his memories are his children and their spouses, Ernest “Ernie” Grey Lawrence, Jr. and Sarah, Gary Lawrence and Kathy, Darlene Wegner and Doug, Tim Lawrence and Janet; grandchildren, William Lawrence, Melissa (Tommy) Jackson, Benjamin Lawrence, Katie (CJ) Box, Deirdre Wegner, John (Ashlee) Case, Jane (Scott) Nance, and Sean (Mitzi) McLean; great-grandchildren, Aerith Box, Elias Case, Adlee Case, Ezrah Case, Ella Mackenzie Nance, George McLean, and Grady Douglas Nance; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Bowman and Betty Adams; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Opal Pauline Wright Lawrence, and his siblings, Graham Lawrence, Davis Lawrence, Dorcey Lawrence, Flossie Snow, Lois Brown, Helen Outlaw, and Juanita Thompson. Mr. Lawrence was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church. Before his retirement, he worked as a construction superintendent for Frank L. Blum Construction in Winston-Salem, NC. He was also a farmer. Grey and his late wife, Opal, operated a successful farm with cattle and crops such as strawberries and peaches. Grey was a loving husband, father and great-grandfather. His biggest joy was being surrounded by family and friends. Visitation will be Monday, September 28, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 PM, at New Hope Baptist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 PM, in the church with Rev. Trent Lyons officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family would like to offer thanks to his caregivers, Cindy Mayes and Vickie Tate. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson is respectfully serving the Lawrence family.