Lawrence M. Averitt, Sr. passed away on Friday, May 3, 2013. He served in the United States Navy during WWII. He worked with Civil Service, retired from Groff Industries and was self-employed until he suffered a stroke this past January. Lawrence was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joy Godwin Averitt; son, L. M. "Butch" Averitt, Jr.; parents, Chester and Beulah Averitt; sister, Dorothy Averitt and 2 brothers, Donald Averitt and William Averitt. He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Sylvia (Larry); granddaughters, Michelle McLane (Bobby) and Ronja Ashworth (Randy); great-grandchildren, Dylan and Hunter McLane and Emily, Ally and Austin Ashworth; brother, Carroll Averitt (Edna); numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends, Wayne Blackmon, Jack and Jean Yancey, and Jeanette Carnley. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Richards Memorial United Methodist Church. Reverend Joe Mullen, Reverend Jim Negretti, and Reverend Robert Averitt will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery.