Lawrence Eugene Blizzard, Sr., 86 , of Smithfield, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. He was born May 19, 1936, in Hampton, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Francine B. Blizzard; and his parents, John Henry and Cora Rhodes Blizzard.  Lawrence is survived by his brother, David L. Blizzard; and sister, Sylvia L. Peddrew.

He met the love of his life, Francine, in his teenage years, and together they have five children; Wanda Blizzard of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Angela Bremby (David) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Venus Taylor (Lowell) of Nassau, Bahamas; Lawrence Blizzard Jr. (Dorothy) of Smithfield, Virginia and Jewel Blizzard of Newport News, Virginia. Lawrence has eight grandchildren, Joseph Rush III (Joy); Delvenia Brown (Jeffrey); Lenisha Jackson-Miles (Charles); Lowell Taylor II; Antoine Taylor (Paige); Fanshawn Taylor-Evans (John); Lawrence Blizzard III (Shaquanna) and Lauren Blizzard. Twelve great-grandchildren, Kimaana Miles; Kedar Miles; Khemi Miles; Henry Rush; Cash Rush; Jahzara Manley; Shamiyah Taylor; Ahmyas Taylor; Briylin Taylor; Juan'Yae Evans; J'Adore Evans, and Sincere Blizzard. He has a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.  He was a wonderful father who always cared for his family first.

Lawrence graduated from Phenix High School and then went on to attend Virginia State College and Norfolk State University. He worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for seventeen years before moving on from that employer to pursue his passion for working the land and starting his own company, L. E. Blizzard Landscaping & Grading . He ran his company successfully for over forty years. He was an honest, hard-working man of his word and always left his customers pleased. He taught his only son Lawrence Blizzard, Jr., how to landscape, and eventually, Lawrence, Jr. added concrete contracting to the company before branching off and starting his own company, L. E. Blizzard Concrete Contractor, Inc .

Lawrence loved people and animals. He grew up knowing how to landscape, plant/harvest vegetables, and farm. His love showed through his conversation. He loved to talk and joke, which resulted in longtime friendships with many throughout the years.  He made everyone that he encountered smile and often laugh.

He always welcomed anyone in his home, and his family never had to worry about a place to stay when they came to town.

Lawrence was having bible studies to become one of Jehovah's servants for many years. However, his long-term illness prevented him from progressing with his bible study the way he wanted. Jehovah has Lawrence in his memory, and there will be a joyous time when he will be resurrected to an earthly paradise. (Rev. 21:4)

Lawrence will be sadly missed by everyone, especially his family. The family gives sincere thanks for all the cards, flowers, and support.

The family has entrusted Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel in Newport News, VA, to assist with services. The viewing will be Friday, September 23, 2022, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be viewable via livestream, please refer to the funeral home's website; www.cookebros.com