Reverend Lawrence Kendrick, 63 of Charlotte, passed away on Thursday, June 10, 2021 at JFK Hospital, Edison, NJ.   He was born to Dorothy Brown Kendrick and John Henry Kendrick on October 2, 1957 at Divine Savior Hospital in York, South Carolina.  Lawrence attended Reid Elementary School.  He also attended Southpoint High School in Belmont, North Carolina, where he graduated in 1975.  During his high school years, Lawrence played football, ran track, and played the trumpet in the high school band.  He loved being a South Point Raider.

Lawrence became a member of Clover AME Zion, the family church, when he was twelve years old.  He later attended a tent crusade in Belmont, NC during which time he made a decision to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior and committed his life to Him.  Lawrence became active in his local church and taught Sunday School classes, served as a door greeter, and sang with the choir.  Lawrence believed that he was called into the ministry at age 16 and preached his trial sermon at age 19 at Clover AME Zion Church. Lawrence preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in different venues and in different states over the course of his life.  He focused on ministry to incarcerated men and women.  He also participated in drama ministries, served as a door greeter, and assisted with television ministries to share the Word of God.

Lawrence attended Winston Salem State University (1975-1979).  He majored in psychology and received a BA degree in 1979.  During his college experience, Lawrence participated in the University Gospel Choir and Youth for Christ Fellowship.  He also pledged with Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity.  Lawrence valued his college experience and developed lifelong friendships there.

On September 2, 1979, Lawrence married his wife, Brenda.  They had one daughter, Ebony, whom they reared to believe in Jesus Christ and trust in the Word of God.  The family lived in several cities in North Carolina and eventually transitioned to Charlotte, NC, making Charlotte their permanent home.  Lawrence was a responsible and caring husband and father who provided for the needs of his family.  In 1987, the family joined Victory Christian Center and supported the pastor and his vision and different ministries within the church.

Lawrence was employed by multiple companies during the course of his lifetime.  He spent the majority of his career with automotive, tractor or truck manufacturing companies-Freightliner, Square D, Textron, and Toyota.  Lawrence was always a "company man".  Whenever he worked, he strongly adhered to company policies and regulations; worked more hours than he received compensation for; and advised other staff to do the same.  He endeavored to move the company forward and make it better than it was when he arrived.  Lawrence worked for several Toyota companies for 18 years and served as a Human Resources Manager for Toyota Logistics Services for the last 10 years of his career.  Lawrence was hard working and tenacious throughout his life and committed to working with excellence in all that he did.

Lawrence was very loved and valued by his family and he will be greatly missed.  Those who cherish him include his wife, Brenda; his daughter, Ebony; his mother, Dorothy Kendrick; his brothers-in-law, Jeffrey Richardson and Lester Richardson (Sharen); his sister-in-law, Eva Richardson; three nephews, Kyle Richardson, Jordan Richardson, and Terry Rivers II; three nieces, Jade Neal (Jeffery), Scierra Bratton, and Cassidy Richardson; four paternal aunts, Annie Kendrick, Mary Kendrick Knox (Hazel), Gloria Kendrick Smith, and Sarah Kendrick Thomas; as well as many cousins and friends in various churches and multiple work locations.

Lawrence's enduring legacy is his love and regard for his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his family, his church, his friends, and his co-workers.