While among family on Sunday, August 1, 2010, Lawrence Bowling Harris, 83 quietly answered the Lord's call and departed his earthly house at Calvert Memorial Hospital in Calvert County, Maryland.

Lawrence had been a resident of the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home in Charlotte Hall, Maryland since 2007 Lawrence was born on September 21, 1926, to the late Ernest Harris, Sr. and the late Sarah Howard Harris in Manassas, Virginia. He was baptized into the Baptist faith.

Lawrence was educated in Prince Williams County and attended Manassas Industrial High School. After completing the course of vocational studies in 1944, he became a "tire re-builder." He later became a truck driver and supervisor for L. C. Smith Inc. of Alexandra, Virginia and retired after 34 years of dedicated service. Lawrence was affectionately called by his family and friends "Apey", "Harris" or "Mr. Harris." He was drafted into active duty in the Army of the United States of America on April 26, 1945. He served as a special vehicle operator in World War II. Lawrence received an Honorable Discharge and was decorated with the Asiatic-Pacific Service Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Lawrence was a member of the W. A. C. Hughes Lodge #1053, I. B. P.O.E. of the World in Newburg, Maryland.

In his younger day, he enjoyed gathering with the "Brothers" and bartending at the Elk Lodge. Lawrence, also, enjoyed fishing, the TV shows the "Young and Restless", and the "Price is Right." The Washington Post and the Maryland Independent was read by him from the front page to the last page. Lawrence was a quite spoken and gentle man. He listened more than he talked. However, he enjoyed the company of his family and friends. In a previous marriage, Lawrence was blessed with a daughter Emily Jane Harris of Manassas, Virginia.

Lawrence is survived by his devoted wife, Irene E. Hill-Harris, his brother Ernest Harris, and sister Sarah Jane Harris-Lancaster of Manassas; two stepsons, Joseph R. Hill (Barbara) and Spencer Hill; five step grand-children: Phyllis Hill-Hopewell, Corey Hill (Jackie) and Tyrone Curtis, Dorene Hill and Spencer Jr.; eleven step great-grand: Shana'e Wyatt (Jerron), Darrius Thomas, DeVonte Bush, Corey Hill, Jr. Cortez Hill, Reagan Hill, Demetrius Hill, Camerron Burtis, Biancha Curtis, Carnesha Wells and Danesha Hill; and a host nieces, nephews and other relatives. Lawrence was a loving and kind man. He will truly be missed by his family and friends!

His viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 10th, 9:30am until time of service, 11:30am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, PA, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.