John Douglas "Doug" Lawrence, 72, a resident of McComb, MS passed away on May 5, 2026 at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at New Life Apostolic Pentecostal Church from 12 PM until services at 2 PM. Burial will be in the church cemetery and Pastor Josh Hoss and Bro. Kenneth Patten will officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Doug was born on November 6, 1953 to the late John and Hazel Lawrence. He grew up in Fernwood and graduated from South Pike High School. He worked many years and retired from both Croft Metals and MDOT. Doug also worked part-time in his later years as a security guard at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center and the Pike County Sheriffs' Office as a correctional officer. He spent many years as the Fire Chief for the Magnolia and Fernwood Fire Department and volunteered his time there as well.

He enjoyed going to church. Doug was a prayer warrior and loved Jesus, even ministering to those incarcerated in prison. He was a huge jokester and one of a kind. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him! He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter MyReyna Lawrence; one cousin Margie Lawrence; and one sister-in law Lynn Lawrence.

He is survived by wife Chellette Daniel Simmons Lawrence; two daughters Lisa Lawrence and Kristie (James) Rushing; four stepchildren Carrie (Bryant) Harper, Danielle (David) King, Tammy (Jason) Steverson, and Robert (Audrey) White; eighteen grandchildren Alyssa, Jay, Ricky Jr., Victoria, Connor, Braylie, Abigail, Joseph, Breanna "Khai", Jason, Meghan, Kathleen, Jamie, Rachel, Robbie, Eddie, Amanda, and Vanessa; nine great-grandchildren; one brother David Lawrence; one niece Brandy Gibson; one aunt Bonnie (John Paul) Westbrook; special cousins Eddie Wayne Lawrence, James Ray Lawrence, Nell Godbold, Pam David, Tony Westbrook, Michael Westbrook, and Michelle Cox;  and a special friend that was like a brother to him, James "Boo" (Pam) Daniel, also with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Javion Hoss, Preston Wallace, Cody Adams, Scott Hodges, Kye Patten, Cody Phenald, Chase Williamson, and Chandler Debuse. An honorary pallbearer will be James Ray Lawrence.