Raymond Eugene Lawrence, Jr.

Raymond Eugene Lawrence, Jr., 61, passed away February 15, 2020. A native of Port Saint Joe, FL, he is the son of the late Raymond Eugene Lawrence, Sr. and Elizabeth Carter Adkins. After playing football for the Florida Gators from 1977-1981, Raymond made his home in Athens where he began his passion for campus ministry for over 35 years. He began working with Campus Crusade for Christ and then founded Athletes in Action in 1983 at the University of Georgia. Raymond continued his ministry and founded Georgia Athletes Outreach where he then began his partnership with Team United, with one of his greatest joys being pouring into the athletes of the University of Georgia baseball team while serving as the team chaplain. Survivors include his two daughters, Rachel Lawrence and Melissa Lawrence Malcom (Justin), and his three grandchildren Avery Lawrence, Rhett Malcom, and Lucy Malcom. He is also survived by siblings Steve Lawrence, David Lawrence, Ronnie Cox, and Rusty Cox. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 17, 2020 from 9:00-10:45 AM at Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, GA with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park, Athens.The family asks in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 352 Watkinsville, GA 30677. Lord & Stephens West 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements.