Andrew "Pete" Lawrence, Jr., age 82, of Bartow, FL, died Friday, May 4, 2018, at home in Bartow. He was the son of the late Deacon Andrew Lawrence and the Sister Rosabelle Lawrence.

He was known throughout the state and nation as a prominent and successful coach of football and basketball. He worked for the Polk County School Board for over 40 years wherein he taught Physical Education and Sixth Grade Science at Union Academy Elementary School, Gause Elementary School, Bartow Elementary School, and James E. Stephens Elementary School. In earlier years while at Union Academy, he coached under the mentorship of the late Forrest McKennie and coached in the renowed successful Union Academy Athletic program. Union Academy produced 15 National Football League players who won scores of victories across the state while in High School. He also assisted Coach Alvin Pearsall when they coached the successful Bartow High School basketball team that won the State Basketball Championship.

Within the Bartow community, Coach Lawrence was fondly referred to as "HorseHead." Through coaching and working with young adults, he was able to influence their lives through the experience of the game teaching--team building skills, coping skills, endurance, self determination, perseverance, building stamina, communication skills, and hard work ethic. It was his relationship with these now grown adults that has propelled Coach Lawrence to be an enduring and highly regarded member of the Athletic and Bartow community.

Coach Lawrence's Teaching and Coaching Philosophy was: "Good, Better, Best -- Never Rest Until -- Good gets Better and Better gets Best!"

He is survived by one daughter: Rosita Beckford, Atlanta, GA; and one brother: Alexander (Jeanette) Lawrence, Ohio.

Viewing at Gause Funeral Home 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, May 11, 2018. Funeral service will be at St. James AME Church at 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow, FL.