Lawrence L. Walters

Lawrence was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. His parents were Lawrence T. and Ossie Lee SmithWalters. St. Paul United Methodist Church was the church home of the Walters family, where as a child, he was very active in the youth ministries. Lawrence attended the SAISD public schools, graduating from Brackenridge High School in 1971. He held an active membership in the Brackenridge Black Alumni Association. He received an Associates Degree from St. Phillips College, with a focus on Drafting and Auto Mechanics in 1973. Lawrence was joined in Holy Matrimony to Karlynn Patterson Dean on July 18, 1987. They enjoyed twenty-eight years together. He became a father to her children and enjoyed being called "Grandpa" by the grandchildren and the great grandchildren loved calling him "PawPaw." He was surrounded by his family and friends, when the Lord called him home. "L.W." as he was known by his racing friends, was an entrepreneur for many years, handling many friends' and families' mechanical needs. He also worked at Tindall Pontiac and Alamo Hot Rod Parts, Inc., where he was employed until his passing. He was an expert auto racing crew member on Top Sportsman Drag Race cars. He was, also a crew member for Funny Cars and a Vintage Camaro. He loved speed and actually was a driver for the Bonneville Roadster, reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph. He was awarded a trophy reading, "1982 Mile High Club, Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion." He served on the award winning race car crew. He was an active member of both the National Hot Rod Association and the American Hot Rod Association. The Flotilla Boating & Fishing Club was Lawrence's other passion. Following in his father's footsteps (Lawrence T. was a founding member), he participated in many activities of the club as a child. This led to him becoming an official "Captain" in 1986. Most important to him was the love of his family. "He was a man of few words, unless the conversation was about cars or fishing," says his wife. So, as Lawrence would say, "That's about it!" He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Veronica Dean. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Karlynn; children, Christopher Dean (Davette), Norman Dean, Jr. (Sabrina); brother, Louis Washington; grandchildren, Brittany, Jazmin, Monique, Paris and Jada ; great grandchildren, Brandon and Roni; niece: Lisa Tanner; sister-in-law, Bonita Tyrone; close Cousins, on the Smith side: Thaddeus Smith (Irene), Ledley, Lynn, Lea Lauren; on the Walters side: Doris, Ervinell, Chree, along with a host of other relatives and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.