Thomas Arthur Lawrence, Jr., age 69 of Huttig, Arkansas, passed away unexpectedly after a short battle with cancer on Monday, December 1, 2025 in Monroe, Louisiana. He was born to Thomas Arthur Lawrence, Sr. and Madeleine Miranda Lawrence on July 12, 1956 in Niskayuna, New York.
A butcher by trade, Tom was known for his exceptional skill and craftsmanship. He spent many years perfecting the hands-on work of cutting meat, making sausage, smoking meats, and turning any ingredient into something worth gathering around a table for. For the past 18 years, he owned and operated Tom’s One Stop in Huttig, Arkansas, where the community came to rely on him for his work, his cooking, and his unmistakable personality.
Tom loved good food and telling stories—usually loudly and with enthusiasm. As a father, he had his own way of showing love, but there was never a doubt that he cared deeply about his children. He was enormously proud of them and took great pride in the families his children built.
Thomas was preceded in death by his father and by his sister, Patricia Lawrence DeLuke.
He is survived by his mother, Madeleine Miranda Lawrence of Chiefland, Florida; siblings, Mark Lawrence of Duanesburg, New York, Mary Jane Graham of Hillsdale, New York, and John Lawrence of Duanesburg, New York; daughter, Marion Lawrence Sewell of Ruston, Louisiana; son, Thomas Arthur Lawrence III of Delanson, New York; and his devoted companion, Jackie Nelson of Huttig, Arkansas.
Tom also leaves behind his granddaughters: Rosemary Claire, Juliette Louise, and Frances Mae Sewell; and Hannah DeMateo, Haily, and Vivian Lawrence.
He leaves behind a family who will remember him honestly, carrying forward the pieces of him that will live on through their memories and stories.
There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.
