81, a resident of Durham County, died Thursday, June 9 at Universal Healthcare. He was the son of the late Bunny Laws and Thelma Laws. He was a retired educator with the Dunham County Public School System. He was a 1960 graduate of the former Mary Potter Academy. He attended Tennessee State College on a full football scholarship.

He married Naomi Mae Cozart and remained a faithful husband until her death. He would later marry Geneva Maxine Cates Smith who would also precede him in death. He was a member of New Red Mountain Baptist Church in the Bahama community of Durham County. There he was active in the Missionary Ministry, Usher Board, Pastor's Aid, and was an advocate to the church for Social Security benefits.

He worked for many years as an educator and was a proud member of the North Carolina Association of Educators. He was an avid sports fan and an exceptional golfer. He played many amateur golf tournaments.

He is survived by a niece, Sandra Allen; nephews: John L. Parker, Kirby D. Parker, Julius L. Parker, Walter Watkins,; a dedicated friend, Richard Burton; and a vast number of other relatives and caring friends.

A Memorial service will be conducted Sunday, July 3 at 2pm at New Red Mountain Baptist Church.