John Douglas "Doug" Lawrence

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

A visitation was held Friday, May 8, at New Life Apostolic Pentecostal Church from 12PM until services at 2PM. Burial was in the church cemetery and Pastor Josh Hoss and Bro. Kenneth Patten did officiate. Hartman Jones Funeral Home was 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 SMRMC 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; 1 granddaughter MyReyna Lawrence; and 2 sister-in-laws Margie Lawrence and Lynn Lawrence.

He is survived by wife Chellette Daniel Simmons Lawrence; 2 daughters Lisa Lawrence and Kristie (James) Rushing; 4 stepchildren Carrie (Bryant) Harper, Danielle (David) King, Tammy (Jason) Steverson, and Robert (Audrey) White; 17 grandchildren Alyssa, Jay, Ricky Jr., Victoria, Braylie, Abigail, Joseph, Breanna "Khai", Jason, Meghan, Kathleen, Jamie, Rachel, Robbie, Eddie, Amanda, and Vanessa; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother David Lawrence; 1 niece Brandy Gibson; 1 aunt Bonnie (John Paul) Westbrook; special cousins Eddie Wayne Lawrence, James Ray Lawrence, and Nell Godbold; and a special friend that was like a brother to him, James "Boo" (Pam) Daniel.

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