Varick Bernard Lawrence, II

Mr. Varick Bernard Lawrence II, lovingly known as "Champ," was born on September 28, 2001, in Decatur, Georgia, to Varick B. Lawrence Sr. and Carol Lawrence. On May 24, 2025, Champ received his wings and entered eternal rest. Champ began his educational journey at The Christian School of Anointed Word in Ellenwood, Georgia. He later attended Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia, Georgia, where he graduated in 2019. A gifted athlete, Champ played football and was Captain of the Baseball Team and proudly led his team to the State Playoffs. Pursuing his passion for baseball, Champ earned a scholarship to Rust College in Mississippi but ultimately chose to continue his athletic and academic career at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. From 2021 to 2023, he played for the Stillman Tigers baseball team and also competed in cross-country track meets. In 2020, Champ became a proud member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he was affectionately known as the "7 Dawg," “Knockowt.” In 2023, Champ graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Human Performance from Stillman College. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Destiny Gardner. Their union was blessed with a beautiful son, Zyaire, who became the joy of Champ’s world. Champ wore many hats after graduation—preschool teacher, travel baseball coach for Showcase, outfield coach at Eagles Landing High School, and a dedicated umpire for youth baseball and soccer games. Ever reliable and versatile, he also worked as a contractor for his aunt and uncle’s tech company when needed. Known for his infectious energy, playful spirit, and easygoing nature, Champ brought joy to everyone around him. He loved snacks more than full meals, cherished roughhousing with his nephews, nieces and cousins, and was always ready for a game on his PlayStation—often punctuated by his signature shout: “Let’s go!” A devoted father, he delighted in playing airplane with Zyaire, their laughter filling every room they entered. Champ never met a stranger. His smile, calm demeanor, and silly grin were as memorable as his love for cruising and planning the next adventure. Champ leaves behind a loving legacy and is survived by: His parents: Varick B. Lawrence Sr. and Carol Lawrence, His beloved son: Zyaire, Sisters: Amesha and Kehonia Rawls (Rico), Deonte, Nephews: Braylin, Rylan, Ethan, and Jordan, Nieces: Anijah, Kenadi, and Karsyn, Maternal grandmother: Dorothy Presswood, Paternal grandfather: Willie Lawrence, Maternal uncle and Aunt: Paris and Sumeko, Paternal aunt and uncle: Varesa and Rico Sanford, and close cousins Ashley and Deondre, His best-pal cousin, PJ: Cousins, Jeremy, Jerimiah, Jaden and Josiah. His God-family, the Hammonds, and a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Tributes

Varick Bernard Lawrence, II

September 28, 2001 - May 24, 2025