Lawrence Douglas

Lawrence Douglas passed away peacefully Thursday, August 28, 2025, at NHC Maury Regional in Columbia, Tennessee.

He was born to Hugh Jerome Douglas and Helen Chappell Douglas on January 15, 1947, at Kings Daughter’s Hospital in Columbia, TN. He joined a “wonderful home full of expectation,” as shown in the familial closeness that he enjoyed with his sisters Charlotte (Graham) and Carol (Holden).

Lawrence studied piano from an early age and after playing his first Wednesday night revival at age 17 became the church organist at First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. He served in this capacity for the next 54 years. He was a gifted musician who loved playing for other people and sharing their lives.

After graduating high school in 1965, Lawrence earned a scholarship to Peabody College at Vanderbilt where he would get a degree in teaching. Upon graduating he taught in Hickman County for four years while completing his master’s degree and Ed S from MTSU. He returned to Maury County to teach 6th grade at Hay Long School in Mt. Pleasant. Over the next eleven years he served as assistant principal at JE Woody Elementary with Johnny Gibson. In 1991, Lawrence proudly opened JE Woodard Elementary as principal. His students remember that he not only knew all of them by name but was completely invested in them and their education. Eventually, Lawrence became the Elementary Supervisor for the Maury County School System.

Lawrence lived a life dedicated to others. Through teaching or music, he was always giving something of himself to those around him. When he took time for himself, he loved to travel and appreciated the art and beauty of the world. He particularly loved visiting the Museum of Modern Art in New York. With insight from playing many funerals Lawrence observed that if he were to pass away, someone could say “he has had it all” and that would be eulogy enough. Lawrence said, “I love life in a small town – beyond people’s imaginings, we learn to depend on each other and often can maintain our own uniqueness by entertaining ourselves and each other for a lifetime.”

Lawrence was a blessing to this community and its residents. He was loved and will be dearly missed. Lawrence’s family will receive friends Sunday, August 31st from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. Funeral services for Lawrence will begin at 3:00 p.m. immediately following visitation with Brother Eddie Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. Lawrence is survived by his sisters: Charlotte (Jeff) Graham and Carol (Joe) Holden; special nieces and nephews: Jeffrey Richard Graham, Brian Douglas Graham, Hugh John (Annissa) Graham, William (Eve) Holden, Helen (Derek) Boyd, and great nieces and nephews: Anna Graham Clark, Sam (Maria) Boyd, Lillie Kate Holden, Claire Boyd, and Caroline Holden. Pallbearers will be William Holden, Derek Boyd, Sam Boyd, Hugh John Graham, Brian Graham, and Jacson Chapman. Honorary Pallbearer: Richie Graham.

Special thanks to Doctor James Couch and the nursing staff at NHC Maury Regional for their kind and loving care. In addition, the family would like to thank all his wonderful friends over the years and Roben Mounger for her insightful tribute in the Daily Herald. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church Music Fund at 202 South Main Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com