Lawrence W. McCue

Larry “Lawrence” William McCue was born January 15, 1943 to George William Johnson and Norma Louise McCue, in Marshall, Missouri. Unfortunately, George was killed in World War II before his son was born. At 6 months old Larry entered the care of Albert and Lil Harris, his great Uncle and Aunt, and reared for 12 years by the name of Billy Harris.

This loving relationship ended when Lil was tragically killed in a car accident, during a road trip.

Afterward, his Mother, Norma and her Brother, Bobby moved Larry to Kansas City, MO, where he attended a Military and Vocational School, graduating with honors.

Eventually, a 15 year old Larry chose to leave home, striking out on his own.

He stayed in school, got a job cleaning at a local furniture store, and helping their delivery man, Mr. Milton deliver furniture to customers. Mr. Milton was so impressed by Larry that he invited him live with his own family. His wife, Evangelist Milton, took Larry in as her own son along with their 3 boys. The rule was, “Everybody in this house goes to the House of The Lord, so if you will do that, you are welcome to stay as long as you like.” He enjoyed his new family and, in the process of going to Church; the Lord touched his heart and drew Larry to accept Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior and Lord, at the age of 15.

At the age of 17, just before graduation; Larry’s Mother had him recruited into the U.S. Marine Corp, and a week after he graduated with honors from La Salle Vocational High School, Larry was then flown to Los Angeles, CA to the Marine base at Camp Pendleton, where he completed a 6 year obligation from 1960-1966, with an honorary discharge...1 week before President Johnson declared the United States at War in Vietnam.

After his Military service ended, Larry changed his name to “Lawrence” and went on to have a very rich career as a Guitarist and Music Director, working with Entertainers such as, Stevie Wonder, Solomon Burke, Bettye Swann, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Bobby Day and The Coasters, to name a few.

Among his varied experiences; Lawrence also served in Public and Private Law Enforcement, serving as a Deputy Sheriff in Georgetown, SC; a Juvenile Counselor at Eastlake Juvenile Hall, Downtown Los Angeles, Park Ranger in San Dimas and Alarm Agent throughout Los Angeles County.

In 1976, Lawrence married Ophelia Gardner, a union which produced one son, Lawrence Douglas, though Lawrence hoped to adopt Ophelia’s daughter, Sharon as his own. After 10 years their union was dissolved.

Lawrence became an entrepreneur, with the opening of “Industrial Equity”, a security systems company in Hollywood, CA., ultimately winning a contract providing security to Caltrans workers, under former Governor, George Deukmejian.

Lawrence faithfully and wholeheartedly served The Lord:

Evangelizing with Rev. Billy Watkins on the Radio KJLH and on the streets, ministering to the Homeless on South Central Ave., a ministry called, “The Brothers and Sisters Relationship Ministry”. He also played guitar with “The Amazing Zion Travelers”, as well as participating with the worship team at his local church, Grace Fellowship.

In 1987, Lawrence met Carla Coles, to whom he remained married for 37 wonderful years, with Lawrence helping to raise Carla’s children from a previous marriage as well as his own son. The couple went on to serve the Lord through music, movies, radio and television broadcasts, individual employment in security, while serving faithfully at “Grace Fellowship Foursquare Church for 20 years, and attending Fountain of Life Covenant Church for 3 years.

On Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:15am; Lawrence was called home to glory, yet our Lord sent His Holy Spirit to take his place, comforting his wife Carla, faithfully making the transition easier for her.

Lawrence leaves behind his son, Lawrence Douglas McCue, his daughter, Sharon Danielle Gardner, stepchildren, Olusheyi Banjo and Olubunmi Banjo, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, sister, Tammie Sumbi and her family, and a host of loving relatives, Christian family and friends.

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