Merlin Dynell Ward Lawrence 48, entered into eternal rest February 8, 2022. He was born August 16, 1973 in Hartford, Connecticut and was a lifelong resident. He attended Weaver High School and went on to attend Central Georgia Regional Technical College, with a concentration in HVAC.

Merlin was currently employed by TradeSource Inc in Rocky Hill, CT; He also was employed by Golden Nozzle in Hartford, CT; Blue Bird Bus Company, Fort Valley, GA and Lawrence Farms in Reynolds, GA. His true passion was working out both in and outside of the gym. He was also a personal trainer, training others and teaching them what a good workout regimen was all about. He would meet with his clients at the YMCA in downtown Hartford. 

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted mother Shirley Ward, of Hartford, CT; his father Marvin Lawrence (Renneah) of Reynolds, GA; a very special sister and his best friend Shawn Reid (Shawn) of Hartford, CT; brother Matthew Lawrence (Jennifer) of Baltimore, MD; His pride and joy his 2 beautiful daughters, Isabella Fugedi of Higgamum, CT; Merlini Ward-Lawrence of Hartford, CT; maternal grandmother Gladys Batson of Hartford, CT; paternal grandmother Moree Lawrence-Shorter of Bloomfield, CT and his only nephew KeAndre Easterling (Cassie) of Corona, California. 

In addition, a very special Aunt Patricia Ward who was like a mother to him; three very special cousins who were like his brother and sister, Alex Ward; Patrice Ward McBride; and Gregory Batson and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Our Merlin had a pure heart, a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off of his back. He would go out of his way to help any and everyone. He loved his children and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved big and hard and was our protector, our prince and he will never be forgotten.