BURGAW — Some people pass quietly through life, but Donny lived boldly, embracing every adventure, every challenge, and every moment with a fearless spirit that inspired everyone who knew him.
Donald “Donny” Lee Lawrence, 53, of Burgaw, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, after a courageous and resilient battle with cancer. His faith carried him through his journey and gave him comfort in knowing he would one day be home, free from worry, free from pain, with his Maker.
Donny was born on October 2, 1972, in Hornell, New York. He found his way to Wilmington, North Carolina as a young boy after his parents relocated, where the Intracoastal Waterway and island life perfectly suited his adventurous spirit.
Donny worked with General Electric Aircraft Engines for many years, where his mechanical mind, mathematical gift, and creative hands made him a natural problem solver. During his time there, he proudly volunteered as a firefighter with the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT), a role he embraced wholeheartedly and often said he enjoyed as much as, if not more than, his regular work.
Outside of work, Donny lived life exactly the way he believed it should be lived: fully, boldly, and without fear. Nothing intimidated him. He faced life head-on and rarely worried about tomorrow, believing instead that today was meant to be lived to the absolute fullest.
Donny was known for his love of tinkering and figuring things out. He had a natural mechanical talent and especially loved restoring and working on his cars. Whether turning a wrench in the garage, fixing something that others thought couldn’t be repaired, or bringing an old machine back to life, Donny found joy in creating, rebuilding, and making things better than they were before.
He loved boating, fishing, and spending long days on the waterway. No one could throw a cast net like him, always pulling up a net full of bait. He had many secret fishing holes, each tied to a memory and a story he loved to share.
Above all else, Donny was most proud of his children and the lives they are building. His daughter, Blair Lacik (Nick) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and his son, Austin Lawrence of Asheville, North Carolina, were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
He is also survived by his loving mother, Sandra Layton, and bonus father, Jerry Layton; his sister and best friend, Sherry Bordeaux (Allen); his sister Tammy Criss (Jim); his brothers Jim Lawrence (Melissa) and Larry Lawrence Jr. (Tammy); along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Donny was preceded in death by his father, Larry Lawrence Sr.
A celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date.
Though he has cast his final net, the tide of his memory will continue to rise in the hearts of all who loved him. One of Donny’s wishes was that his name lives on. May we remember him whenever we see a quiet stretch of water, a sky full of stars, or the simple joy of exploring the wonders of the world.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
