Wallace “Wally” Cornell Lawrence

Wallace “Wally” Cornell Lawrence, 92, of Beaufort, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House, following a short illness.

Born on August 1, 1932, in Wytheville, Virginia, Wally was the son of the late John and Hazel (Dodgkin) Lawrence.

He graduated from Virginia Tech (formerly VPI) with a Masters in Polymer Chemistry. He had returned to graduate after serving in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant during the Korean Conflict. Prior to his military service, Wally married his wife, Sue Horne, in 1952.

Wally had a long and fulfilling career in the Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC, first at Chemstrand Corporation (a joint venture between Monsanto and Hercules) where he began in 1960. He and his associates spun some of the first polyester fibers thin enough to be woven into cloth. In 1970, Wally moved to IBM, where he continued his research in plastics and connectors until his retirement in 2002.

Retirement allowed Wally to pursue fulltime his passions – bowling and fishing. Bowling had been a regular event in his life since the early 1960’s, he was known for his wicked curve ball. Fishing and boating brought him to the home he enjoyed for his last 20 years in Beaufort, NC. In retirement, he was a great listener who offered thoughtful advice and spirited arguments, particularly concerning condominium association board decisions. He also took time to teach anyone interested how to throw a cast net.

Surviving are his son, Allen Lawrence of New York City, NY, and his daughter-in-law, Sheri Mullen Lawrence of Norfolk, VA.

In addition to his parents, Wally was predeceased by his wife, Sue, and his son, David.

Wally will be cremated, and the time and place of a memorial will be announced at a later date.

The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory be made to the Crystal Coast Hospice House, P.O. Box 640, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.