We are sad to announce the death of Lawrence R. Dooley of Gadsden, 87. He was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1935 and worked at The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron until he was transferred to the Gadsden plant from where he retired. In his retirement, he was a member of the “Grey Tigers” volunteer group helping Habitat for Humanity build over 50 homes in the Gadsden area.
He was an active, long-time member of St. James Catholic Church and a 3rd degree knight in the local Knights of Columbus Council 3568. He served the church in various ways including making the cross used for veneration during Lent and the wooden hymn board for one side of the church. He also volunteered at the St. Martin de Porres Center of Concern and was happy to help anyone with small construction projects or home repairs.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of 62 years; his sons Larry Dooley (Gadsden) and Michael (Erinn) Dooley (Modesto, CA) and daughter, Theresa (Craig) Gilley. He has six grandchildren, Paul (Morgan) Gilley, Joseph (Jordan) Gilley, Sarah (John) Westberg, Stephen (Elizabeth) Gilley, Eileen Dooley and Michael Dooley. Great grandchildren are Hazel and Luke Westberg, Samuel Gilley and Ruthie Gilley.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 19, at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church with the funeral Mass to follow at 2:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed in the church before visitation at 12:40 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gadsden Habitat for Humanity (3722 Bland Street, Rainbow City, AL 35906) or St. James Catholic School (511 Ewing Avenue, Gadsden, AL 35901).
