Emmett Lewis Lawrence

Emmett Lewis Lawrence, a man whose life was filled with laughter, love, and unwavering faith, went to be with the Lord on March 23rd, 2026. A devoted Christian, Emmett now rests in the presence of his Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kenny Palmer; his parents, Orville Lawrence and Clara Belle Dameron; his stepfather, Gaynor Dameron; his in-laws, Garland and Lorene Craig; and several other cherished family members.

Emmett leaves behind a legacy of love and joy in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue; his daughter, Emmy Lou, and son-in-law, Shawn Witt; and his daughter-in-law, Darlene Palmer. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Yvonne Hylton (Will), Isaac Emmett Palmer, Samara Palmer St.Clair (Kaid), Madisin Keatts (Stephen), Cameron Witt, and Lexi Sue Witt. His joy only grew with the arrival of his great-grandchildren: Maddox, Ida, Ivy, Iris Hylton, and Joseph Kenneth St. Clair.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Ralph Lawrence, Phyllis Radford, Art Lawrence (Deb), David Lawrence (Betty), Mary Parr, Andrew Picker Dameron (Loretta), and Bessie Dameron.

Emmett proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves as a Military Policeman from 1969 to 1976, a reflection of his strength, character, and sense of duty.

Emmett was truly one of a kind, a man who never lost his sense of wonder and was, at heart, always a kid. He was the kind of father, grandfather, and uncle who made life brighter just by being in it. Known for his calm spirit and quick wit, he had a gift for bringing humor and light into any situation. His stories could captivate a room, and his laughter was contagious.

He had a deep love for the outdoors, spending many years hiking the mountains while surveying, and enjoying time fishing and hunting. A loyal fan, he cheered on the Atlanta Braves and his beloved Washington Redskins. Emmett also had a passion for travel and was always ready for the next adventure, wherever it might lead.

Above all else, Emmett loved his family deeply. He cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, always ready to play, laugh, and create memories that will live on forever. To them, he will always be remembered as “the best grandad in the whole wide world a kid can have.”

His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his love will live on in all who knew him.

To know Emmett was to love him. He wasn’t just a man, he was, as many would say, the man, the myth, the legend!

A funeral service and celebration of Emmett’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Walnut Grove Church in Montvale, VA with Pastor Robert Auxier officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00pm and 6:00 until 8:00pm on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. To send condolences online please visit tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.