Obituary of William "Bill" Daniel Lawrence

William (Bill) Daniel Lawrence, speech therapist and non-profit community leader, went to his heavenly home on May 23, 2014. William was born on January 5, 1938 in Palestine Texas to R.D. and Minnie Mae Lawrence. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dwayne and Earl, and sister Mary Nell. William received his Bachelor's degree in 1970 at Pepperdine University in Speech Pathology, and his Master's Degree in Counseling and Speech Pathology from Pacific Western University in 1991. As an African American, he was known to have broken ground in a field where men of color were rarely seen. He is survived by his wife Linda Ellegard-Lawrence, son Christopher Lawrence, step-son David Ellegard, daughters, Deanna Hines and Deborah McCall, brother LaCharles , and sister Vernell Lawrence; 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Bill's priorities were focused on his leadership and care of his three children and being a mentor to all of his grandchildren. He commonly referred to his family as his "United Nation". Bill lived his life with a love and following for God and for helping others. In his early days as a young man, Bill was at Pat Boone's side and was a guest speaker on the 700 Club Christian program, sharing the gospel and his faith. His motto in his personal life and career was "treat each person you meet as though it is the last time you will see them". He lived this motto with a care for others, big smile to all and a joy for whatever the day would bring. He was the guardian angel to his family and many of his co-workers, neighbors and friends. Bill's career as a school speech therapist took him on a world wide journey. He worked in California, Colorado Thornton area, School District 11; as well as with the Department of Defense in schools in Japan and the Virgin Islands. Bill's career moved from speech therapy to non-profit marketing and donor development at Special Kids Special Families. He worked with special needs children and adults ; connecting key people in the community to help grow the organization's special needs program, called Zach's Place. His grant research and writing included helping the organization receive National attention from former first lady Rosalyn Carter.Bill's familiar smile and humble spirit will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, his co-workers and the community. Public viewing at The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E. Platte Ave., on Thursday, May 29 from 5:00pm-8:00pm.A celebration of his life is on Friday, May 30, at the New Life World Prayer Center, 11025 Voyager Parkway, at 11:00am. Interment, Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to his favorite child's program; Zach's Place at www.sksfcolorado.org.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, May 30, 2014 12:00AM Evergreen Cemetery 1005 Hancock Expressway Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Phone: 719-578-6646 Visitation Thursday, May 29, 2014 5:00PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Service Friday, May 30, 2014 11:00AM New Life Church World Prayer Center 11025 Voyager Parkway Colorado Springs, CO 80921