Obituary for Lawrence Edward English

Lawrence Edward English, age 73 of Murphy, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Lawrence was born in Buncombe County, NC to the late Floyd Raymond and Effie Doris McIntosh English. He was raised a few years in Madison County, then moved to Cherokee County. Lawrence was a graduate of Murphy High School, Gwinnett Hall Bible College and Tri County Community College. He was a pastor and member of Bell Hill Baptist Church, pastored Meadow Grove Baptist, Grace Baptist, Grandview Baptist and Ogreeta Baptist. Lawrence was actively involved in jail ministries in Union County, GA and the Dalton area and radio broadcasts for many years.

He had worked as senior supervisor at Clifton Precision/Moog for over 35 years, along with working many years at RC Cola as well. Lawrence enjoyed his honeybees, selling Smokey Mountain Pure Honey far and wide.

He was a true outdoor man. Lawrence loved hunting, fishing, antique cars, bee keeping, Sudoku puzzles and was a master gardener. He was also a carpenter, having been led to build Grace Baptist Church in Hayesville. Lawrence loved renovating and beautifying other churches he pastored.

He was led by God to start one of the First Fundamental Independent Baptist Churches in Hayesville which was named Grace Baptist where he served as pastor for over 10 years.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Orla Jean “Susie” Mashburn; and his brother, Billy Floyd English.

He is survived by his wife, his high school sweetheart for 53 years and 11 months, Ellen Radford English of Murphy; his son, Ben English (Courtney) of Hayesville; his daughter, Andrea English Lytle (Scott) of Old Fort, NC; his brother, Raymond English (Geneva) of Cuhutta, GA; his sister, Naomi Farmer (Phil) of Murphy; his grandchildren, Peyton Maney, Delaney and Reese English, all of Hayesville; and many cousins, loved ones and grand puppies. He loved being called Papaw by friends and family.

A funeral service will be held at 1pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy with Pastor Raymond English and Preacher Shannon Helton officiating and Pace Ware officiating at graveside. Burial will be in Peachtree Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Richard Hawkins, Elias Kitchens, Lawson Kitchens, Charles Fox, Bobby Sneed, Jeff Radford, Jasher Radford, David Reid and Grant Reid.

The family will receive friends from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com