Lawrence Fitzgerald

Lawrence Fitzerald was born September 10, 1953, to Lawrence Fitzgerald and Mary Herron. Lawrence, affectionately called “Rickey,” accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age at Mount Gilead Baptist Church, in San Antonio, Texas. Rev. W. G. Gillespie was his pastor. His love for Christ led him to Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church. On July 10, 2016, Lawrence had a desire to rededicate his life to God and started a brand-new chapter in Life professing to desire to “Walk the Jesus Walk.” He was baptized on this day, and he strived to “Walk the Walk” for the remainder of his life. He faithfully served in the Men’s Ministry, the Men’s Chorus and Senior Saints Ministry. He was a man of Faith and a devoted member of Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, where his spirit and fellowship will be remembered and cherished. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

During his early years, Lawrence attended schools in the San Antonio Independent School District and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1972. While in high school, he was an avid athlete participating in multiple sports in school and in the community. He served as quarterback for the Mighty Brackenridge Eagles while in high school as well, having also participated in Baseball and Basketball. Upon graduating from high school, he attended St. Philips College in San Antonio, Texas and Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. He was an outstanding baseball athlete while attending Wiley College. He recently received the HBCU Classic Alumni Award from Wiley College for his outstanding contribution as a baseball athlete. Lawence continued his love for sports as an adult and found great joy in playing and watching sports. Whether cheering on his favorite team or engaging in a friendly game, his love for sports reflected his vibrant energy and camaraderie.

Lawrence lived a life full of heart, dedication and service. He proudly served in the United States Army, demonstrating the same commitment and strength that would define the rest of his life. His life of service continued as he was a passionate chef and spent most of his career working in restaurants and food establishments in San Antonio, Texas and Houston, Texas. He enjoyed cooking and baking for others while sharing his love of food with everyone he served. His culinary skills were matched only by the joy he found in the kitchen and the warmth he brought to others around him.

Lawrence “Rickey” will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Cherishing his memories which are deeply embedded in their hearts are: son, Lawrence Alvin Fitzgerald; grandsons LaMar Fitzgerald and Brandon Fitzgerald; sister, Dr. Melissa F. Arnell (Kyle); brother, Melvin Fitzgerald; nephews, Melvin Arnell (Lisa), Roddrick Miller, Kyle Arnell IV (Jeanine); Nieces, Dr. Shenikwa Arnell, Rachel Miller, Yvonne Craft, Melisha Craft-Fitzgerald, Melva Fitzgerald, Melissa Newton (Patrick), Mary Fitzgerald; aunt, Barbara Payne (John), Uncle, Jimmy Holmes (Lela) and numerous other relatives and friends. Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Fitzgerald and Mary Herron, sister, Jimmie Denise Miller and sister-in-law, Karen Fitzgerald.

Lawrence’s legacy is undergirded with the scripture, “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28