Brother Lawrence Poland – 86, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend slept away in the Lord's loving arms on May 9, 2015, 5:52 a.m. at Saint Francis Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.

"Mr. Lawrence". as he was affectionately known by his friends and neighbors, was a longtime resident of Leesville and a native of Rapides Parish. He was born on November 28, 1928 in Glenmora, Louisiana to the union of the late Kay Poland and Rosa Ann Tobin. He lived in Kurthwood, La during his formative years and later moved with his family to Leesville.

Mr. Poland was respected by community leaders, colleagues and residents for his tireless efforts in the community and public outreach. He was recognized for his accomplishments for fathering a local Alcoholics Anonymous group and promoting a drug free neighborhood. He established the AA Nona Group in 1986 at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he was a member for more than 60 years. He assisted countless numbers of people in the community to rebuild and restore their families that were impacted by alcoholism and drug abuse.

He was a regular call-in participant on the Leesville Swap Shop radio show broadcasted locally. He enjoyed singing and praying to the radio audience and calling in to advertise products for other people. The family is grateful to Mr. Mel Harris for his warm-hearted and supportive spirit while broadcasting on the Swap-Shop.

In 1953, he united in holy matrimony to the late Eva R. Smith Poland for 53 years; to this
union four daughters and two sons were born.

Mr. Poland leaves to cherish his memories, five daughters, Linda P. Jackson, Cathy A. Duncan, Carolyn M. Hanks, Cynthia J. Poland, Veronica (Michael) Young; one step-daughter, Cloretha (Cecil) Gay; two sons, Lawrence (Elvira), Jr. and Jerry; fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Poland, parents, four siblings, and one son.

Funeral service arrangements at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church include a wake service on Sunday, May 17, 2015, 5:00pm-7:00pm.; public visitation, Monday, May 18, 2015, 10:00am – 12:00pm preceding funeral services at 12:00pm. and burial in the Leesville Cemetery.