Claude Luther Lawrence Jr., 71, of 1422 Sierra Dr., Suffolk, died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, in Obici Hospital.

He was a native of Southampton County, born to the late Luther Lawrence and Lucy Dickerson-Lawrence. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, and had retired from the National Geographic Center in Washington, D.C. as a mail carrier. He attended Greater Sweet Beulah Apostolic Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 48 years, Mary E. Lawrence; three daughters, Wanda Stallings of Duluth, Ga.; Claudette Mason (William) of Suffolk; and Linda Carroll of Portsmouth; three sons, Reginald D. Lawrence and Gregory A. Lawrence, both of Suffolk; and Ronald V. Lawrence (Peggy) of Stockbridge, Ga.; two sisters, Margaret L. Price (Ray) of Melborne, Fla.; and Cora Rious of Washington, D.C.; one aunt, Ms. Martha V. Adams of Washington, D.C.; three uncles, Lonnie Arrington of Washington, D.C.; Calvin Dickerson (Cleter) of Zuni; and Robert Lee Dickerson (Eunice) of Carrsville; one brother-in-law, Arthur Mason (Mary); 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, four nieces; one nephew; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in Greater Sweet Beulah Church with Suffragan Bishop Madison G. Copeland officiating. Interment will be in Holly Lawn Cemetery with military honors.

The family will receive friends Saturday at the home of Gregory Lawrence, 2418 Cherry Blossom Dr., Suffolk.

Crocker Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of the arrangements.