Hemingway, SC

Willard L. Lawrimore, 94, passed away Friday, October 15, 2021.

Willard was born in Hemingway, SC, a son of the late Willie James Lawrimore and the late Almead Pope Lawrimore. He was a US Army veteran of World War II, a member of the First Baptist Church in Hemingway where he served as a deacon and treasurer. He was retired from the SC Tax Commission after 34 years of service in the Florence district and he was a farmer.

He was active in the Hemingway American Legion Post # 84 and was a mason. He was a master checker player who loved to play checkers at the local barber shop and later the internet where he rarely lost. He loved genealogy and was proud to have his family history book published and selected to the Library of Congress.

He was a 1951 graduate of the University of South Carolina. Next to his family, he loved the Gamecocks. He was a 74 year member of the Gamecock Club and a holder of season tickets even when he became unable to attend. He often said that if not for the University of South Carolina he would still be plowing behind a mule. He remained eternally optimistic about Gamecock sports and never owned anything orange. He was recognized as a Gamecock Legendary Fan of the game in 2010. He passed his devotion to Carolina to his family, as his sons and grandchildren all attended the University of South Carolina.

He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Susan) Lawrimore of Kingstree and James (Gay) Lawrimore of Johnsonville; 3 granddaughters, of whom he was especially proud, Toni Lawrimore of Washington, DC, Traci Lawrimore and Elizabeth Lawrimore (Cullen Padgett) both of Columbia; sister, Jewel L. Newsome of Hartsville; and his dear friend, Annie Jo Altman of Hemingway; 2 step-granddaughters, Renee (D.J.) Mixon of Turbeville and Cherryl Ann (Jamie) Smith of Kingstree.

He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Jocelyn Hollingsworth Lawrimore; daughter Carolyn; grandson Robert; sisters, Ruth Shaw, Iva Ridgill, and Katie Fenters; brother, Willie J. "Billy" Lawrimore, Jr.

He requested a special mention of the family of Saul and Hester Lewis. Their children made him a member of their family. He said Saul Lewis was his closest friend because he was always on the other end of the cross-cut saw.

He lived his life with dogged determination. He never accepted a challenge that he failed to move heaven and earth in his efforts to accomplish. He was driven to be the best at whatever he did and had little patience for those who did not do likewise.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 19, 2021 in the Hemingway First Baptist Church. Burial, directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway, SC, will be in the Lawrimore Memorial Cemetery, 2299 Muddy Creek Road, Hemingway, SC 29554.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 19, 2021 in the Hemingway First Baptist Church, 200 E. George St., Hemingway, SC 29554.

Memorials may be made to The Lawrimore Memorial Cemetery, Inc., 145 Buck Strong Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please use good judgment, practice social distancing, and wearing a mask is highly recommended.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com