Lawrence Ford Gattis, 92

March 14, 1933 – September 4, 2025

Jonesboro, Ark/Saltillo-Lawrence Ford Gattis was born in Lee County to the late Sidney Freeman Gattis and Sara Isabelle Whitaker Gattis on March 14, 1933, one of 16 children born to this union. Lawrence received the promises of his faith when he departed this life for his eternal home on Sept. 4, 2025. Lawrence died in the Springs of Jonesboro Nursing Center at the age of 92. After completing his education, Lawrence attended trade school to be a body/fender/paint technician. He accepted the call to patriotism and service during the Korean Conflict serving in the U. S. Army in Alaska as a truck driver. He was always proud of his military service and loved talking about it! Lawrence lived in various places in the Mid-south-Memphis, Tn, Tupelo, Saltillo, Mt. View, Arkansas and the last five years in Jonesboro. He was a master auto body repairman and automobile painter. Coming from a huge family, he loved family gatherings where he talked and fellowshipped incessantly with his kinsman, or anyone who would listen. He loved the history of places and people and could spin a yarn like no one else! A likeable, genteel man, Lawrence leaves a legacy of patriotism, service to others and to his God. He was a longtime member of Cedar Grove Pentecostal Church.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Monday, Sept. 8, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Pastor Danny Robbins officiating. Burial will follow in the Gattis family plot at Camp Creek Cemetery west of Guntown. Visitation will begin at 2 PM Monday onl y at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 3 PM.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Freda Pogue Gattis of Jonesboro; his children, Jimmy F. Gattis (Betty) of Fulton, Brenda Pleasants (Miles) of Fulton; Earlon Gattis of Arkansas and Scottie Gattis (Christy) of Memphis, Tn.; 10 grandchildren ; 14 great grandchildren; a sister, Barbara Stanford (Dalton); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, 14 siblings and many other near and dear relatives.

Condolences may be posted to Lawrence’s memorial page at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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