Arthur Sheppard Lawrence

Arthur Sheppard Lawrence, 85, of Lonaconing, Maryland and formerly of Bonita Springs, Florida died Friday December 8, 2023 at Egle Nursing and Rehab Center, Lonaconing.  Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 10, 1938, he was the son of the late David and Lillian Lawrence.  Arthur was preceded in death by his three siblings, Ralph, Eva and Paul, and a grandson Crosby. 

Prior to living in Lonaconing, he lived in Baltimore for about 20 years and in Florida for nearly 40 years.  A very successful, self-employed salesman within the wholesale floral industry, he was known for his strong work ethic.  He truly loved his work, but what he loved the most was the opportunity to interact with his customers and share stories about their lives.  Had he not fallen ill, he probably would have worked forever. He passed on his self-made business to 2 of his sons, and they have followed in his career footsteps, which made him very proud.

Arthur was a charismatic, energetic, outgoing story teller, and made so many people laugh with the stories he told.  He was a straight shooter, and didn’t hold anything back. He got married at 18, and had 3 kids by age 30.  He enjoyed his time at the beach, learning to sail at a young age, owning a Sunfish sailboat, later advancing to a Hobie Cat, and finally to a 29-foot Catalina.  He loved drinking coffee in the morning, and being outside planting just about anything in the ground.  He also loved vacationing in the Bahamas and hanging out with friends there.  But his greatest joy overall was his three boys and they will miss him dearly. On the day he passed away, the nurses that got to know him over the last few years said it well – “He was ornery, but we loved him”.

He leaves behind his three sons, Jeffrey Lawrence and wife Ilene of Ellicott City, MD, David Lawrence and wife Eileen of Boyds, MD, and Marc Lawrence and wife Mollie of Lonaconing, MD; former wife and mother of his children Stephanie Lawrence; grandchildren Dalia and her mother, Marce, Nicholas, Ryan, Jacob, Emily, Katie Frances, Ben Gerald, Madison, Max, Michael, and Stephanie; nieces and nephews Lili, Barney, Adam, Tomi, and several others. The family would like to thank Egle Nursing Home for the great care they provided to him. At his request, he will be cremated.  Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Lonaconing is assisting the family.