Mr. Christopher Charles Lawrence better known as "Black Chris" of Jacksonville, Florida, died Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.

Christopher Charles Lawrence, affectionately known to everyone as "Black Chris," was born on January 4, 1970, in Cordele, Georgia. He was the beloved son of Charles Edward  Putman and Patricia A. Harper.

Black Chris began his educational journey in the Head Start program in Cordele, Georgia. His family later moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where he continued his education at Pompano Beach Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. It was during these formative years that Chris developed a passion for football, a sport he played throughout middle and high school.

After completing his schooling, Chris pursued his interest in welding through the Job Corps. His dedication and skills led him to a successful career with Archer Western Contractors, where he worked for five years. He began as a line leader and was eventually promoted to the role of supervisor driver.

Chris's life was also deeply enriched by his faith. He accepted Christ as his savior and worshipped at the Peace of Christ Church, where Pastor Brian Pinckney served as the pastor.

A man of many interests and talents, Chris had a profound love for sports, passionately supporting the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, LA Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. His favorite players were Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Beyond his love for watching sports, Chris enjoyed teaching his son how to play football. He also found joy in playing cards, chess, and basketball, and was an avid pool player.

Christopher Charles Lawrence, also known as "Black Chris," transitioned on August 6, 2025. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his love of life, his devotion to family and faith, and his passion for sports.

His memory is cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him: his mother, Patricia A. Harper of Cordele, Georgia, his father, Charles Edward Putman (Geraldine) of Cordele, Georgia; his fiancée, Angel Gilley of Jacksonville, Florida; his children: Nishanta P. Lowe of Buckhead, Georgia, N'Krista A. Wilson and Shantel Jones both of Cordele, Georgia, Bianca Lawrence of  Houston, Texas, Cherish A. Lawrence and Christopher C. Lawrence, Jr. both of Jacksonville, Florida, and Shanterion Epps of Warner Robins, Georgia; seven grandchildren; his sisters,  Jessica Williams (Tony) of Cordele, Georgia, Jennifer Arceneaux (Elgin) of Killeen, Texas, and Sabrina Mann (Danny) of Tifton, Georgia; his brothers, Octavia Shorter, Aubrey Putman, and  Dominic Shorter all of Cordele, Georgia; his aunts and uncles,Regina Johnson of Cordele, Georgia, Willie Lawrence, III of Americus, Georgia, Robert Kinchen and Mary Lewis (Joe) both of Pompano Beach, Florida; his nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.