Lawrence Gines, Sr. of Biloxi, quietly entered into eternal rest on Monday, September 1, 2003, at the age of 76.

Lawrence Gines Sr., the second of three children was born on January 18, 1927 in McNeill, MS to the late Willie Julius and Jenny Gines. He received his education in the Pearl River Co. School System and continued his education at Jefferson Davis Jr. College.

At an early age, he united with the Methodist faith. He united with the First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C. M. Holloway after settling in Biloxi.

He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Independence Ribbon. He used his skill and knowledge of electrical engineering at Keesler Air Force Base for over thirty years. Before retiring, he received numerous awards and certificates of excellence.

He was united in Holy matrimony to the lovely Miss Frances Luvern Posey. This union was blessed with eleven wonderful children, six sons and five daughters.

Mr. Gines joins in death his parents, his grandparents Abby Peters Clayborn and Henry Clayborn and Olay Gines, one son, Rev. Lawrence Gines, Jr., one granddaughter Portia T. Guyton.

Mr. Gines leaves to mourn his passing, and to remember his life, his warm and compassionate wife, Mrs. Frances Luvern Gines of Biloxi, five sons: Edward Gines, John Douglas "Shorty" Gines Sr., Clarence Gines, Felix Gines and Julius (Tiffany) Gines all of Biloxi; five daughters: Dr. Lynda Gines-Guyton, of Atlanta, GA, Anna Gines, of Jackson, MS, Vita Gines-Christophe, Antoinette Gines, and LaDonna Gines all of Biloxi, one sister Ida Louise (Early) Bowens of Picayune, MS; and one brother Edward Earl (Clara) Gines of Slidell, LA. His loyal grandchildren are Taronta (Nicole) Gines, Darius Gines, Lawrence Gregory Gines, Roderick McClendon, Calvin Haynes, Thomas C. Guyton III, John Gines Jr., Taurian Haynes, Jamillia Gines, Arseneal Dante Gines, Kamara Harper, Jasmine Gines, Bethany Gines, Richmond Harris, Rion Gines, Brandon Gines, Keionna Gines, Bonite Gines, Julius Harris, Brittany Gines, Shania Armstrong.

His caring great-grandchildren are Ravyn, Taronta Jr., Shiloh, and Amaya, a special cousin Larry Claiborne of Detroit, MI; a godchild Monique McDonald and a caring friend James Grace Thigpen all of Biloxi.

Services for Mr. Gines will be 5 p.m. Sunday, September 7 at First Missionary Baptist Church, 658 Esters Blvd., Biloxi, where Rev. Larry T. Holmes will administer the eulogy, and Rev. Torrien Preston will deliver words of encouragement to the family. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to service.

Burial will be Monday at Biloxi National Cemetery at 10:30 AM where he will receive military honors. Mr. Gines services are entrusted to MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi.

from the Delta Democrat, Greenville MS