GELSEY - Lawrence Arthur Gelsey, Jr., 86, passed away Monday, September 28, 2020. Arrangement entrusted to "The Mortuary We Trust", HARRIS MORTUARY, 2261 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204, (904) 598-9808.

Lawrence Arthur Gelsey Jr., the oldest child of thirteen, affectionately known to many as "Uncle Jr." gracefully made his entrance into this world on Monday, December 23, 1933, to the late Lawrence Sr. and Laurine Gelsey of Lorretha, Florida who both preceded him in death.

Lawrence A. graduate from Matthew Gilbert High School and attended Edward Water College of Jacksonville, Florida.  He later enlisted into the U.S. Army.

Lawrence A. at an early age accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.  He attended then joined Zion Hope Baptist Church on May 9, 1943, on Church Street of Jacksonville, Florida under the leadership of the late Pastor E.R. Simpson and the late Pastor S. P. Donald.  He was ordained to become a Deacon on August 12, 1984 serving on District 24, Dea. Willie L. Travis, Leader. In 1994, he became leader of District 24. In 2003, Zion Hope Districts were reconstructed placing him as leader of District #4, later becoming Deacon Emeritus of the District because of his health. Dea Gelsey were highly active in the church, holding several officers, singing to the glory of God in choirs 3, 3B, and Male Chorus.  He also served on the Trustee and Transportation Ministries. Gelsey was active in the Local, East Florida and Bethany Association as District President and working in the State Association.

Lawrence A. was so profoundly employed by Huckins Yacht Corporation and later went on to the Jacksonville International Airport of Jacksonville, Florida which he worked faithfully until his health failed.

Lawrence A. entered a new realm of life where there will be no more tears, pain, sorrow, or death in the presence of God Almighty with everlasting joy.  Revelation 21:4-

Lawrence A. transitioned peacefully for mortality to immortality on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 10:48 a.m. at U.F. Health (Shand's) Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Williene W. Gelsey; children, Lyndell D. Gelsey, James E. Williams and Gale V. Gelsey; sisters, Carretha Jackson, Yvonne Jacobs, Gertrude Harris and Beatrice Williams; brothers, Edward Gelsey and John Henry Gelsey.

Lawrence A. memories will be forever cherished by his devoted and supportive family; daughters, Diana (Lewis) Anderson, Jacksonville, FL, Debra (Rev, Jeremiah) Bodie, Augusta, GA and Shelia Gelsey, Jacksonville, FL; step-sons, Horace (Dip) Williams, Raiford, FL and Lomax Butler Jr, Jacksonville, FL; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Williams; grandchildren: Katrina (Brian) Jenning, Melisa (Barry) Jefferson, Rhonda (Dentmon) Davis, Jameel (LaRon) Caldwell, Jammie (JaMaine) Jackson, Monieka Stroy, AnTuan Jackson, Johnita Jackson, Kevisha (Marcus) Walker, Joseph Jackson, Jerrica (Andrew) Jefferson, David (DJ) Lawson, Victoria Anderson, Galen Gelsey, Christina Smith, and Barbara Smith; brothers; Roosevelt (Nora) Gelsey, Killeen, TX, Elder Elijah (Jackie) Gelsey, Lamar Gelsey and Walter D. Harris; sisters, Annette Bonam, Cora Ross and Doretha Pickett; a host of great grands children, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.