Lawrence Gray Barefoot

Lawrence Gray Barefoot, 77, of Garner died Thursday, May 22, after a brief period of declining health. He was born the youngest of nine children on a farm in the Johnston County community of Four Oaks. He graduated from Four Oaks High School (1955), Louisburg College, and Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) (1961). Lawrence served briefly in the U.S. Army and then in the North Carolina National Guard for several years, rising to the rank of sergeant. He made his professional career as an executive with the Farm Credit System in central and eastern North Carolina. Following early retirement from Farm Credit, he spent an enjoyable ten years with the building and grounds department of Wake County Public Schools - a job he loved for the daily opportunity to engage in physical work outside as he had done in his youth on the family farm. Aside from two years in Louisburg, Lawrence lived all of his adult life in Garner. He was a longtime active member of Garner United Methodist Church. He served as President of the Garner Jaycees and later as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 391. He greatly enjoyed hiking, camping, and snow skiing. Lawrence will be fondly remembered as a witty, easygoing, and gentle soul. Survivors include his son, Bartley Lawrence Barefoot, daughter-in-law, Vigdis Engebretsen, and beloved grandson, Lars, all of Chapel Hill; brother Everette Barefoot of Four Oaks; eighteen nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews; and adored cat, Gracie. Lawrence was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marjorie Bass Barefoot; parents, Mordecai Tell Barefoot and Bertha Keen Barefoot; brothers Lawson, Alston Ray, James, and M. T., Jr.; sisters Josephine, Arah Lee, and Rose; and dear cat, Oreo. The family thanks Lawrences many friends, neighbors, and professional caregivers for the love and support provided to him in recent months and days. We are especially grateful for the assistance of aides Sandra Lilly and Michael Robinson. His funeral service will be held at Garner United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 27, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park in Raleigh. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Lawrences memory to Garner United Methodist Church, 201 Methodist Dr., Garner, N.C. 27529, Beulah Hill Christian Church, 1701 Keen Rd., Four Oaks, N.C. 27524, or a charitable organization of the donors choosing.