Lawrence Earnest ("Doc Heavy") Gibson, Jr.

LAWRENCE EARNEST GIBSON, JR. was born in Saint Louis on September 12, 1935. He was the first of seven children born to Lawrence and Maude Gibson. Lawrence was educated in Catholic and Public Schools in the Saint Louis area. 

While hanging out with his best friend and brother, Norvell, Lawrence met his first love, Lucille Jeffries. Lucille was with her best friend, Mary. As they danced the night away, Mary chose Norvell and Lucille chose Lawrence. That night led to two marriages. In 1954, Lawrence and Lucille wed. Soon they started a family and raised four children: Lawanda, Deborah, Darlene, and Lawrence Gibson III. Lucille and Lawrence enjoyed hosting family gatherings for holidays and traveling to relaxing destinations like Hawaii. When Lucille passed in 1988, they were married for 34 years. 

Lawrence enjoyed a long career in janitorial services, retiring as a supervisor from St. John's Hospital after 25 years of service. His teams spoke highly of him as a leader, and he was known for his timeliness and being wrinkled free - as he always arrived to work an hour ahead of his shift in a crisply ironed outfit. His leadership, motivation and drive to always do his best - would lead him to start a commercial floor cleaning business with his brother George, which was very successful. He was committed to every floor he touched and would shine them with supreme brilliance, especially at his daughter Darlene's hair salon. 

Lawrence was well loved by all who met him. He was an honorable man, who was known for saying, ''Your word is your bond. Do what you say you are going to do." He fell in love with his 40-year hobby of CB radio communication before it was outlawed. He was known across the CB world affectionately as "Doc Heavy". The name fit his persona perfectly, as he was an impeccably well-dressed man at all times and waxed his Cadillac daily. He was also an athletic man who loved the competition of a good tennis match. 
Lawrence grew to love the Lord and love Bible Study. He was a saved man and would often state he was a soldier in the Army of the Lord. 
Lawrence was married to his second wife, Carole, who he loved dearly for 28 years. With Carole, he had 4 step-sons, Virgil, Bishop Vernon Bess (Gwenise), Tony, and Isom; 1 stepdaughter, Carolyn; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished them all deeply. 

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Maude and Lawrence Gibson Sr.; his brothers, Alvin Gibson, Melvin Gibson, George Gibson Sr., and Norvell Gibson Sr.; his sister, Valerie Jones; and his first wife, Lucille Gibson. 

Lawrence Gibson, Jr. leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Carole; his beloved children, Lawanda, Deborah, Darlene, Lawrence Gibson III; brother, Henry Gibson (Lois); special aunt, Bernice; grandchildren, David Buckner Jr., Sylvester Chisom Jr. (Tracie), Shevare' Perry, Lawrence Gibson IV, Raziya Gibson, Jerrin Bowen; great grandchildren, David Buckner III, Myani, Karter, Noah, Kayla; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

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