Lawrence Stoutamire Jr.

Lawrence Stoutamire Jr. passed away Aug. 19, 2010 at his home in Carrabelle.

A memorial service will be held at Carrabelle Christian Center, 142 River Rd., Carrabelle, on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m.

Lawrence was born Dec. 3, 1931 in Tallahassee. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jan; his daughter, Angela (Steve) Groom; grandchildren Melissa Groom, David Groom and Daniel (Courtney) Groom; brother Steve Stoutamire; sister Carol Henn; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Eunice Stoutamire, and brother Ernest Stoutamire.

Lawrence was a graduate of Leon High School where he played trombone in the band, then later studied architecture at Florida State University. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. After the war he returned to Tallahassee and began a career in home design and construction. He developed several neighborhoods in the Lakeshore Drive area and built many fine homes in Tallahassee.

Later he moved to Dog Island where he continued to build homes, building 20 homes on the island. He lived there 18 years. Then he semi-retired and moved to Carrabelle, where he built his home on New River. After seven years he moved to the Crooked River where he gardened and enjoyed the wildlife.

Lawrence also was a talented boat builder. In the 1960s he built a race boat in Pappa's garage, which he used to win the National Hydroplane Championship two consecutive years. He won against many factory-sponsored boats. He was a great lover of nature, especially the water. He was a generous, caring and fun-loving person. He will be greatly missed by his family who knew and loved him, especially the love of his life, his wife, Jan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308, or to One Way Youth c/o Carrabelle Christian Center, 142 River Rd, Carrabelle.