We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Gregory E. Lawrence Jr., of Solana Beach, on January 29, 2009, who was age 80. Greg was the son of Gregory and Grace Lawrence, Sr. and grew up in South Pasadena, California.  He attended South Pasadena High School where he was elected Commissioner of Boys Athletics in his senior year.

He attended Occidental College, in Los Angeles, under the Hollaway (V-5) Flying Midshipman Program from 1946 to 1948 where he joined the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. In 1948, the Navy sent him to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training as a Naval Aviator Midshipman, receiving his "wings" in April 1950. This launched a Naval career that spanned more than 30 years. While at Occidental College, Greg made the acquaintance of a fraternal brother's younger sister, Phyllis Overholt. Greg and Phyllis were married in 1954 and celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last August. During his Naval career, Greg served in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He was also on the Staff at COMNAVAIR Pacific in the early 1970's. His military awards include the Legion of Merit with gold star, the Air Medal with gold star, and Meritorious Service Medal. He retired from the Navy in 1973 with the rank of Captain. While in the Navy, Greg completed his bachelor's degree in science at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, in 1963, and earned a Masters degree in Computer Science from American University in 1969.

After retiring from the Navy, Greg earned his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Western State College of Law (now Thomas Jefferson School of Law), and became an Enrolled Tax Agent. He founded Lawrence Tax Service, and was proud to have his son Miles and daughter Martha work with him in his successful tax practice. Greg enjoyed golf and was a longtime member of the Loma Santa Fe Golf Club. He also looked forward to regular reunions with members of the Flying Midshipman. Most of all, however, Greg was a devoted family man. He took enormous pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, and always supported their endeavors with good advice and unwavering faith in their abilities. Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis, formerly of Solana Beach and now of La Costa Glen, California, his children, Greg III and wife Carolyn of Jamul, California, Miles and wife Kim of Carlsbad, Martha and husband Brian McCleery of Denver, Colorado, and Theme and husband Smith Oosamron, of Thailand. Other survivors include his brother Jack and his wife Mary of Santa Rosa, California, and Greg's two grandchildren, Amanda and Greg IV, both of Jamul. We will miss him, but never forget him, for the lessons he taught us are in our hearts forever.