Lawrence Hayes Blackford of Paris, Texas, went home to be with our Lord on August 19, 2021. He was born in Crosby, Texas on February 5, 1931 to Curtis and Agnes Blackford, both of whom predeceased him. Lawrence grew up and worked on a large ranch, raising cattle and growing corn and cotton. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work and his love for horses. He was a devoted father, raising a beautiful family of four children, three daughters and one son, in La Marque, Texas. In his earlier years, he devoted his time to his children, all of whom were state champions in showing quarter horses. Lawrence was a true cowboy and a very accomplished horseman. He loved music, especially playing his guitar and even founding a band entitled Lawrence and the Rhythm Kings. On April 20, 1993, Lawrence married his beloved wife, Judy. He retired and they moved to Judy’s hometown of Paris, Texas. Lawrence spent his spare time restoring vehicles, enjoying his many grandchildren and spending quality time with his wife. He was also a loving father figure to Judy’s daughters, Gayle and Amanda. Lawrence is also preceded in death by his brothers, Alvin and Donnie Blackford, as well as two of his daughters, Judy Blackford and Ronda Marx. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; daughter Linda Levis and her husband, Matt and son Larry Blackford; Gayle Porter and husband, Eric and Amanda Ragusan and husband, Keith; grandchildren Vernon Hensel, Lisa Henneke and her husband, Jeff, Lynn Littlefield and his wife, Heather, Jason Marx, Tiffany Krenek and her husband, Johnny, as well as Matthew Fairchild, Jessica Holt, Paige Holt, Maddison Porter, Jarrin Morin and Jordan Porter. Lawrence was also proudly survived by 19 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Bright-Holland Funeral Home Chapel, located at 2601 Lamar Avenue in Paris, Texas, on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A cemetery service will be held at Springhill Cemetery in Novice, Texas on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 AM.
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