The Atlanta police department is accepting monetary donations to benefit the family of a slain officer.
Officer Stanley Lawrence would have celebrated his 59th birthday Friday. Instead, his family, friends and colleagues will gather to pay their respects. Lawrence was killed last week in his Clayton County home. His wife has been charged with murder.
“Officer Stanley Lawrence was a loved and respected member of the Atlanta Police Athletic League (PAL) and his coworkers are coming together to support his family at during this sorrowful time,” APD said in a Facebook post.
>> Online guestbook for Stanley Lawrence
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Lawrence, a Jesup native, attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where his defensive skills helped the basketball team to three straight conference titles. The 6-foot-8 center also played professionally in Europe before joining Atlanta police in 1990, according to his online obituary.
As an officer, Lawrence was assigned to work with PAL, combining his love of basketball with helping children.
APD said Wednesday that all donations made to PAL through Friday will be given to Lawrence's family. Donations can be made online through the PAL website.
“Any measure of comfort we can provide to the family at this time is appreciated,” the department said.
A viewing will be held Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Murray Brothers Funeral Home’s Cascade Chapel in Atlanta. A wake will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral for Lawrence will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta.
On Saturday, a second viewing will be held at Royal Funeral Home Chapel in Jesup from noon until 4 p.m. A graveside service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Sunset Oak Memorial Gardens, also in Jesup.
Lawrence is survived by his mother, brother, three daughters and numerous other relatives, his obituary states.
