Lawrence Brett
September 5, 1919 — October 3, 2012
WILSON - Lawrence Brett, Jr., 93, died Wednesday, October 3, 2012.
Funeral, Saturday, 1 PM, First United Methodist Church. Interment, Maplewood Cemetery
Lawrence was born to Lawrence and Mildred Roney Brett on September 5, 1919 in Wilson, where he grew up. He graduated from Charles L. Coon High School, attended Atlantic Christian (Barton) for one year, received his AB degree from Duke University and his MA from Northwestern University. While attending Duke, Lawrence lettered in Cross Country and Track. He served in World War II as a Lt. Commander in the US Navy.
He had a successful career with Hospital Corporation of America as manager of the Central Division and vice-president of the International Division. In 1959, he became a faculty member of Xavier University and taught in the Hospital Administration Program. In addition, he was confirmed a Fellow in the College of Hospital Administration held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This is the highest honor afforded to hospital administrators.
After retiring in 1980, he returned to Wilson and became active in First United Methodist Church, Wilson Kiwanis Club and the Old Wilson Historic District Association. His hobbies included bicycle riding, growing grapes and winemaking, woodworking and traveling in America and abroad. He enjoyed many summer family reunions at Pine Knoll Shores and Topsail Beach.
Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Barbara Braddy Brett; daughter, Linda Stott (Rev. D. Norman) of Wray, CO; son, Larry Brett III (Robbin) of Norfolk, VA; grandchildren, Dr. Heather Moran, Sarah Northwood, Buddy Scott, Austin Oelschlagor, Meggie and Emma Brett; great-grandchildren, Elsie, Connor and Logan Moran, Vivi Brett; step-daughters, Valerie Felton Morgan of Charlotte and Ginny Felton Ellison (Chip) of Clayton; step-son, Tommy Felton of Raleigh; step-grandchildren, Ashley Ball, Ridge Morgan and William Ellison.
The family will be at Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Drive, Friday, 6:30 - 8 PM.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894, or to the charity one's choice.