Lawrence Lafayette Valentine

Lawrence Lafayette Valentine was born July 16, 1930, in Troy, Alabama. He departed this life on February 6, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. He was the sixth child born to Archie and Augusta (Canty) Valentine.

Lawrence, affectionately known as “Buddy” by his family during his younger years, spent his early years in Troy, Alabama, where he attended public schools until work required his early departure. Possessing a strong willingness to work, Lawrence took on whatever jobs were available. His determination carried him from Troy to Birmingham, Alabama, and eventually to Dayton, Ohio, where he settled in the early 1950s with his wife Dorothy and their children, Mary, Ellen, and Betty Jean. Although his marriage to Dorothy later ended, he married again. In 1959, Lawrence returned to Alabama to bring his parents, his 17-year-old sister Janie, and several extended family members to resettle in Dayton, Ohio.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Lawrence continued to work multiple jobs and even ventured into self-employment by starting a janitorial business. After experiencing a difficult season while balancing several jobs, he relocated in 1963 to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. There, he resettled with his new wife, Betty née Hunter, and her two children, Bruce and Helen. In Pennsylvania, Lawrence maintained his tremendous work ethic, holding several positions before ultimately securing long-term employment with Lower Merion Township, where he worked as a maintenance employee until his retirement in 1995.

Following retirement, Lawrence resumed his love of bowling, a hobby he had first enjoyed during his earlier years in Dayton, Ohio. He also became a member of the local Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, eventually attaining the honor of 33rd Degree Mason. He further served as Grand Worthy Patron during his wife Betty’s Eastern Star Administration, when she held the distinguished title of Grand Worthy Matron for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Lawrence, known as “Larry” to his friends in Pennsylvania, lived a full and satisfying life despite various health challenges. In 2004, he experienced the loss of his beloved wife Betty after 45 years of marriage. For the next seven years, Lawrence lived independently until his son-in-law, Eston “Ricky” Putnam, relocated him back to Dayton, Ohio. There, he resided with his daughter Doris and Ricky for 15 years, reconnecting with his children, siblings, and extended family. In his later years, Lawrence’s health gradually declined, and he peacefully transitioned due to complications of pneumonia.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Augusta (Canty) Valentine; his first wife, Dorothy; his second wife, Betty; his daughter, Ellen Bailey; nine brothers and one sister; and his son-in-law, Eston “Ricky” Putnam. He leaves to cherish his memory: one sister, Janie (William) Jackson; four daughters, Mary Valentine, Betty Jean Valentine, Doris Putnam, and Delores Valentine; two stepchildren, Bruce (Olivia) Hunter and Helen (Potito) Saracina; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends.

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