Frank Morton Lawrence, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, architect, athlete, and lifelong Virginian, died on September 8, 2010, after a courageous two-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 73.

Frank was born on August 16, 1937, at Elizabeth Buxton Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, to Dorothy and Frank Lawrence. His father worked in insurance, and from him Frank learned the values of reliability, honesty, and attention to the needs of others. As the oldest of three boys, Frank grew up alongside his younger brothers, Richard George Lawrence and James Neil Lawrence, in a household filled with competition, laughter, and the everyday lessons of responsibility.

Frank came of age in Newport News during the 1940s and 1950s, a time when the city’s shipyards, schools, churches, and neighborhoods shaped a strong sense of community. He attended Newport News High School, where he was known as a serious student, a loyal friend, and a determined athlete. He played football with grit and discipline, traits that would stay with him throughout his life. Frank graduated from high school in 1955.

After high school, Frank attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, now known as Virginia Tech. At VPI, he played football for the VPI Gobblers as a free safety. The position suited him well with its required discipline, awareness, anticipation. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Architectural Engineering, proud to be a Gobbler and, later, an unwavering Hokie.

Following graduation, Frank relocated to Richmond, Virginia, to begin his career as a junior architect. Richmond in the early 1960s was growing and changing, and Frank entered the field at a time when architects were helping shape the modern city while preserving its historic character. He began as a young draftsman and project engineer, spending long days over drawing boards, blueprints, structural calculations, and building models.

His life changed when he attended a local 4th of July fireworks show in 1960. There, illuminated by the vibrant bursts of color over the James River, he met Grace Richardson. Frank noticed her before the first fireworks began and spent an hour trying to think of something clever to say. Their connection was immediate, deep, and enduring. They were wed at St. Marks Episcopal Church in 1963.

On June 1, 1965, Frank and Grace welcomed their first daughter, Mary Anne Lawrence, now Mary Anne Filmore. Their second daughter, Leslie Rachel Lawrence, now Leslie Lawrence Davidson, was born on December 12, 1967. Frank adored his girls. He was the father who taught by doing, explained how bridges stood, packed the car for camping trips with engineer-like efficiency, and never missed a chance to remind his daughters that they were capable of more than they imagined.

Frank’s career grew steadily. In 1974, he was named a partner at Manning, Jefferson & Plat. Over the years, he helped design and manage projects that fit the Richmond of his era: school additions, church renovations, office buildings, bank branches, civic improvements, and adaptive reuse projects that respected the city’s older brick and stone architecture while making it functional for a new generation. He took special pride in designs that served everyday life well: buildings with clear entrances, durable materials, good light, and spaces where people felt comfortable.

In 1990, Frank was named to the Richmond Architectural Board of Review, where he helped guide Richmond on balancing preservation and development.

Outside work, Frank’s happiest hours were spent with family. He loved camping trips, especially the preparation as much as the trip itself, and he cherished fall Saturdays cheering on his Hokies. In later years, his grandchildren—Reilly Filmore, Lucy Filmore, Amelia Davidson, Blake Davidson, and Miles Davidson—became a great joy. He was patient, proud, and delighted by each of them. After his retirement in 2005, he dedicated his and Grace’s free time to caring for their grandchildren, including frequent trips to Washington, D.C., and volunteering at their church.

His love, guidance, and bear hugs will forever be remembered and missed. We love you!