Steven “Steve” Elwood Lawrence
Steven “Steve” Elwood Lawrence, 72, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Steve was born on May 16, 1953, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After his birth, while his father was in the Air Force, he lived in many different places, including Albany and Smyrna, Ga., Montgomery, Al., and internationally in Germany and France. He and his family eventually returned to the Chattanooga area, where he graduated from Central High School in 1972.
As a young man, Steve was a member of DeMolay International. He met his future wife, Tonya Banther, in the youth group at Maple Grove Baptist Church in Harrison, Tn. They later married there on Nov, 12, 1976. Steve remained a lifelong member of Maple Grove.
Over the years, Steve held positions at CF Industries, R & R TV and Appliances, Newton Olds GMC Mitsubishi, and Christ United Methodist Church. Most recently, he was employed by the City of Chattanooga and retired in February of this year.
Throughout his life, Steve made many trips to the mountains, which seemed to call to him. He loved the Smoky Mountain National Park and its surrounding cities, as well as Chilhowee Mountain. He was an avid fan of college football, and most Saturdays in the fall you would find him cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers.
Steve never met a stranger and loved to share his faith with the people he encountered. He delighted in serving the Lord through song, leading the music at Maple Grove Baptist Church and Kings Point Baptist Church in Chattanooga. He was a supporter of many ministries, including Outreach International, Turning Point Ministries, and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to one of these causes in his memory.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Homer “Elwood” Jr. and Jo Ann Lawrence; paternal grandparents, Homer Sr. and Winnie Lawrence, as well as maternal grandparents, Fred and Jane Durham.
He is survived by his wife, Tonya Lawrence; children, Kristin Roark (Robbie) and Ryan Lawrence (Brooke); siblings, Karen Stancil, Phyllis Hubbuch (George) and Mark Lawrence (Brenda); granddaughter, Ainsley Roark, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. in the Turner Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Herman Saunders officiating.
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 423 622-3171.