Raynard Lawler

LAWLER, Mr. Raynard - Age 48, passed away Friday, June 20, 2008 at Gwinnett Hospital in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Family hour 6PM-8PM Friday, June 27, 2008, from the chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd. Family hour 11AM Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, 1159 E. Foss Ave., with funeral service commencing immediately at 12Noon. Dr. Jefferey P. Kee officiating. Pastor Reginald G. Flynn host-pastor. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11AM Saturday. Mr. Lawler will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 1PM-8PM Friday. Mr. Raynard Lawler was born April 27, 1960 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Hugh and Essie Mae Lawler. He was a resident of Flint for 24 years and resided in Lilburn, Georgia for the past 10 years. He accepted Christ at an early age and rededicated his life by being baptized by Dr. Jefferey P. Kee. Raynard married his “high school love”, Beverly Carter and to this union three sons, Donte’, Brandon, and Derek were born. A lovely granddaughter, Aubrie La’raye completed his joy. Raynard was a pioneer in the hotel industry. He attended the University of Michigan-Flint and had been in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. As a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, Ray achieved many firsts as an African American holding several General Managers’ positions. Ray once said “The hotel industry is very hospitable and humanistic because you’re dealing with hearts and minds. You’re selling memories and experiences.” It was this passion he conveyed to all of those whom he served. Raynard joined Marriott Hotels & Resorts in October 2004. He was the Resident Manager of the Detroit Marriott - Renaissance Center and was the first African American to hold an executive post at the 1,328-room upscale hotel, supervising a staff of 80-plus managers and 700 employees. In 2007, he was recognized in Who’s Who in Black Detroit for his significant contributions in the industry. Raynard was involved in many organizations including; the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the Black United Fund-Detroit, Marriott’s Central Region Diversity Committee, and Marriott’s ROARS Advisory Council. Prior to joining Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Raynard spent 18 years with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts holding various positions from assistant general manager to regional executive in New York City. He was also General Manager, Assistant General Manager and Hotel Manager of Adam’s Mark Hotels and Loews Hotels & Resorts. He leaves to cherish loving memories devoted wife, Beverly E. Lawler; sons, Donte', Brandon and Derek of Lilburn, Georgia; granddaughter, Aubrie La'raye of Flint MI; sister, Etta (Elder Eric) Kemp of Lansing, MI; brothers, Donald Lawler of Austell, GA, Cornelius Lawler, Minister Bernard (Mary C.) Lawler all of Flint , MI; sisters–in-law , Brenda (Alfred) Jacobs of Lancaster, TX; Phyllis Carter of Flint, MI, Sharon (Elbert) Hicks of Grand Blanc, MI; Alma Lawler of Flint, MI; and Minister Linda Barfield of Hiram, GA; brother-in-law, Claude Carter of Flint, MI; many nieces and nephews, god-children, “adopted children”; and a host of special friends and colleagues. Mr. Lawler was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Essie Mae Lawler; brothers, Hugh Lee, James David, and Edward Charles Lawler; and mother-in-law, Zenobia Delores Johnson–Carter. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to all of their family and friends. Their deepest gratitude is also extended to Mr. Frank Taylor and the Seldom Blues Restaurant staff, The Karmanos Cancer Institute, Gwinnett Medical Center, ‘our angel’ - The late Dr. Sophie Womack and the Harper Hospital staff, American Home Care Nursing staff, Suburban Oncology and Hematology, Pastor Reginald G. Flynn and The Foss Avenue Baptist, Pastor Kenneth J. Flowers and The Greater New Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Jefferey P. Kee and New Faith Baptist Church of Christ, and Minister Derrick Aldridge, Pastor Second Chance Baptist Church.

Raynard Lawler

April 27, 1960 - June 20, 2008