Benjamin “Benny” Franklin Lawrence, Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Lawrence, Jr., affectionately known as Benny, passed away on February 1, 2025, after a 30-year battle with chronic illnesses. Born on March 8, 1959, in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, Benny spent his final days surrounded by love in Cottonwood, Alabama, at the age of 65.

Benny was a man who could grow a tomato plant in the desert and find a silver dollar in a pile of pennies. His green thumb was the envy of gardeners far and wide, and his coin collection could make a numismatist weep with joy. When he wasn’t reeling in the big one at the lake, you could find Benny under the hood of a car, turning rust buckets into roadsters, or wheeling and dealing in the high-stakes world of junk entrepreneurship.

Above all, Benny cherished his family. His love for his children was evident in every action. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Gay Lawrence, and his mother, Frances Heinmiller of Cottonwood. His legacy continues through his daughters, Jamie Spencer (Benjamin) of Cottonwood and Jenny Lawrence of Florida, his adored grandchildren, Tyshaun Spencer, Elijah Spencer, Cadence Spencer, and Lily Grace Biggs, and his caring sisters, Carol Crampton (Terry) of Cottonwood, Leanna Gipson (Archie) of Cottonwood, and Tina Pellas of Slocomb.

Preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Lawrence, Sr., and granddaughter, Isabella Spencer, Benny’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.