WHEREAS, noted with sincere admiration is James Clayton Lawrence, born on May 5, 1913, in Fayette County, Alabama, who is a leader in his community and a friend and helper to farmers; and

WHEREAS, Clayton's father, J.G. Lawrence, bought his first cotton gin in 1906 in Fayette County; in 1926, the Lawrence family moved to its current location, presently known as Lawrence's Mill, where they operated a cotton gin, water powered gristmill, a general store, and a sawmill; and

WHEREAS, today, 96 years after the founding of the first Lawrence family owned cotton gin, J.C. Lawrence and Son continues to supply the needs of cotton growers in the Fayette County area; and

WHEREAS, married to the former Ruby Jones and father to Ronny Lawrence and Mrs. Leland Barnes, Clayton Lawrence is a faithful member and leader in Rehobeth Baptist Church, where he has served as deacon for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lawrence is also a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine, a past member of the State Seed Board of the Crop Improvement Association, a charter member of the Fayette Rotary Club, and a member of the National Cotton Council, the Southern Cotton Growers, the Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association, and the local and national chambers of commerce; and

WHEREAS, although Mr. Lawrence took a backseat to his son Ronny in the 1970's, he has maintained involvement in the family business, not retiring until recent years; and

WHEREAS, in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the Fayette County community and the great State of Alabama, it is most appropriate to recognize James Clayton Lawrence in a lasting and enduring way; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the bridge on County Road 129 at the Lawrence Mill Community is designated the "James Clayton Lawrence Bridge"; appropriate authorities are encouraged to erect and maintain signs and markers specifying this designation of honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be provided to James Clayton Lawrence and the Department of Transportation, so that this meritorious designation is known.