Billy Jack Lawrence, age 89, of Athens died Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 at his home with his family.  Born Jan. 20, 1934 in Winifrede, WV, he was the son of the late William A. "Willie" Lawrence and Ethel Belle Pettry Lawrence.

A graduate of Clear Fork (WV) High School, he was employed as a coal miner with Valley Camp Coal Company and Meigs AEP Mine #2. He retired after 32 years underground.  Earlier in life he was employed with R.H. Boulney Construction as a high lineman.  He and his crew installed electric power lines to many homes in rural West Virginia that had never had electricity before.  He was a member of Athens Elks Lodge BPOE 973.

Bill worked hard all his life.  He was eager and willing to help anyone at any time with mechanical, electrical, and carpentry work.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He loved his family more than anything else in this world.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Leslie Davidek Lawrence; his two sons, Billy Dwayne (Pam) Lawrence of Beckley, WV and Ryan Matthew (Elizabeth) Lawrence of Raleigh, NC; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two (and a half) great, great grandchildren; and a brother, Jerry (Vera) Lawrence of Beckley, WV.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by two daughters, Teresa Yvonne Helmbright and Donna Kay Walker; a granddaughter, Angela Dione Lawrence; a sister, Nancy Treadway; and a brother, Danny Lawrence.  A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Burles Branch Road Cemetery in Beckley, WV.  Local arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Home Care and Hospice, 444 W. Union St., Suite C, Athens, OH  45701.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.