Cary Lamont ("Bunchie" "Gary") Lawrence

Cary Lamont (“Bunchie” “Gary”) Lawrence, beloved husband, father and grandfather, 73, of Middletown, Delaware, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Bunchie was born in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Marlene and Walter Lawrence on April 17, 1950. He was joined in holy matrimony to Gwendolyn Warren on April 5, 1986 and to this union was born one son, Phillip Lawrence. He resided with his family in Middletown, Delaware until his untimely passing. Bunchie was raised in Smyrna, Delaware, and the roots grown there formed the foundation of his character. He was a graduate of Smyrna High School and attended Delaware Technical and Community College. Bunchie had a diverse and varied career beginning as an Aircraft Mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, and then retained employment with the DuPont Company, Delaware State University, and as owner/operator of an automotive repair business. A gifted mechanic, Bunchie’s integrity and honesty won him lasting friendships with the customers who entrusted him with the service of their vehicles. He was also employed by a contractor specializing in new home construction along the Atlantic coast, and subsequently was amongst the crew that built the first phase of Middletown Village Townhomes in Middletown, Delaware. Having been raised by his grandmother, Emma Johnson, a gifted cook, Bunchie also developed an interest in cooking and baking which led to another career in culinary arts. He worked at the Smyrna Diner where his culinary skills earned him the distinction of “Top Cook” and he went on to share his culinary expertise at the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna, Delaware. Bunchie was a founding member of the United Ebony Singers of Smyrna and used his crisp tenor vocals to perform in various churches throughout the region. He also attended many churches, the last being the Church of God of Iron Hill, until his attendance became impacted by health challenges. As a motorcycle enthusiast, Bunchie enjoyed attending drag races at Maple Grove in Pennsylvania and Englishtown or Atco Raceway in New Jersey. He frequently built his own racing motorcycles and cars. He was a member of the Thunderguard M.C. and in the early 1970s became the first black member of the Delaware Hot Rod Association of Talleyville, Delaware. Bunchie was known for his candor and those who knew him appreciated that character trait. He also had a very infectious, gut-curling laugh which was enjoyed immensely by his family and friends. He was a true foodie, therefore, if he recommended a particular restaurant, you were surely guaranteed an enjoyable culinary experience. Bunchie enjoyed sharing various items of interest with those around him, and oftentimes those items would catch others by total surprise. For instance, if he summoned you to the tailgate of his Chevy pick-up, there was no guessing what was resting in the truck bed, you never knew if you’d find a stock engine, bushels of farm fresh veggies, drywall, a lawnmower, or a snapping turtle waiting to be made into soup! Bunchie’s favorite way to show his love was by hosting and entertaining beloved family and friends at large gatherings where he shared his talents by preparing exquisite dishes and playing just the right kind of music to enhance the mood of the event. He loved being with people and sharing his gifts. Bunchie leaves to reflect and cherish in his memory his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Lawrence (nee Warren); his children, Phillip Lawrence (Rebecca), Darlisha Guthrie (Robert), Lamont Lawrence (Shellkila), Donald Pierce, Donya Jean-Baptiste (Jeff), April Garner (Rodney), and Shineta Rochester; his siblings, Emerson Johnson (Joyce), Mark Lawrence (Trucilla), Blair Lawrence (Debbie), Wanda Johnson, Carla Lawrence (George), Robin Lawrence, Vanessa Sullivan, Geraldine Miles, Carolyn Payton, Lucy Ann Miles, LaRay Sullivan and Bernice Price-Scott; specia1 cousins, Faye Gardley and Janet Benson; friend/supporter, Mary Burke; special nephews, Thomas Lawrence and Robert Warren, III; 16 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and his circle of close friends, Richard Ashley, Kevin Brady, Irving Brower, William Burke, Richard Butcher, Gabby Jackson, Otis Kellam, Perry Ringold and William Thorpe. Bunchie is predeceased by his parents, Marlene and Walter Lawrence; his maternal grandmother, Emma Johnson; grandfather Gilbert Robinson; sister, Bonnie Lawrence; and brothers, Gary Lawrence and Michael Miles. He was also predeceased by his nephew, James Evans; and devoted friend, Gary Burke. He will be sorely missed by those he leaves behind. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 1 pm on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will be held privately.

Cary Lamont ("Bunchie" "Gary") Lawrence

April 17, 1950 - December 19, 2023