Joey Lee Lawrence 83, passed away on April 7, 2018. Born in Waynesboro, VA, he moved to Hampton and was a proud '54 grad of Hampton High School where he excelled in all sports, winning four varsity letters. His senior year, he signed a bonus contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, playing two years in their minor leagues. He returned home to work for Newport News Shipyard and played in shipyard baseball leagues and the Tri-County league. In 1957, Joey played in the National Semi-Pro Baseball Tournament in Omaha, Nebraska with the Hampton Royals. In 1963, Joey started a thirteen-year career with the Fox-Hill Fast Pitch All Star team playing in three ASA National Fast-Pitch Championships. He was an outstanding fielder and hitter. In 2002, he was selected to the Athletic Hall of Fame of the Lower Virginia Peninsula. Joey retired from X-11 Shopfitters after 35 years of service. He is survived by wife Janet, children Tommy, Tammy and Terry; step-children, Michael, Mark and Carl; and his band of brothers.

A Celebration of Joey's Life will be held at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11 AM.