Lawrence, Huey L., 1922-2015

Huey “Pip-Konee” L. Lawrence was a Navy veteran, musician, and educator.

Lawrence was born February 27, 1922 in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1942, Lawrence joined the United States Navy B-1 Band. The B-1 Navy Band members were the first African Americans to serve in the modern Navy at any general rank, not as "mess boys or stewards" but as musicians. The establishment of the band served as a prominent move to integrate the modern U. S. Navy. Lawrence played trumpet in the band.

Following the war, Lawrence finished his degree at N.C A&T State University earning a Bachelor's Degree in History Education and a Master's Degree in Rural Education. Lawrence went on to found and lead the band at South Ayden High School in Ayden, N.C. There he also taught history and coached football.

Lawrence was married to Willa Tyler Lawrence of Oxford, N.C. and was active in his church and local community. The couple had 8 children together. Lawrence died on September 20, 2015.