Service

Friday, August 21, 2026

Lie In State: 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Smithfork District Association

2701 Halls Hill Pike

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Interment

Evergreen Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Kenneth "Buddy" Jeffrey Lawrence, 67, was born on August 27, 1958, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to Esther Lawrence and Acie Lawrence. Buddy took his rest on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, after an extended illness at Quality Center Rehabilitation in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Buddy was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Lawrence, father Acie Lawrence, and his oldest sister, Donna Lawrence-Abrams.

Buddy attended the Rutherford County School System and received his diploma from the United States Army. Buddy worked at Whirlpool Manufacturing for many years. He also spent a period of time in Virginia where he lived and managed a boarding house for the homeless. Buddy was a member of Stones River Primitive Baptist church until his health failed.

Buddy's favorite past time was spending time with his family during holiday events. His favorite pastime was watching Boston Celtics and Washington Redskins (now Commanders), alternating their clothing, and decorating throughout his home with Washington Redskin (Commanders) and Boston Celtics memorabilia. Lastly, making sure he had an A & W Rootbeer in his hand.

Buddy leaves to cherish a daughter, Geneva Gaines, grandchildren Te'a, Kaleb, and Laila, and two great-grandchildren, whom he wholeheartedly loved with every fiber of his being. He will also be remembered by his sisters: Sandra Lawrence, Regina Lawrence, Deborah Hughes, Sonia Akins, Trina Smith, and Tamika Lawrence, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family members and friends.