Robert Lawrence Prescott died Sunday, May 9, 2010 at his home in the Lemon Grove community of Hardee County. He was born Oct. 1, 1922 in the Lemon Grove community, the son of Barney A. Prescott and Neta Smith Prescott. He graduated from Hardee County Public Schools. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a flight instructor and bomber pilot. Upon completion of his military service, he resumed his career with S. H. Kress and Co., retiring after 34 years, working as a store manager and district manager. For the past 32 years he had been the co-owner/operator of Buckhorn Ranch and Groves. Lawrence was an avid fisherman, and lifelong Florida Gator fan. His generous spirit touched the lives of many Hardee Countians, including the residents of Resthaven, where he led fundraising efforts to air-condition the facility. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. He was predeceased by his first wife, Hilda Maddox Prescott, his parents, and siblings, Barney H. Prescott, Bedford Prescott, and Frieda P. Gill. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Trieste (Sissie) C. Prescott; daughter, Sandra P. McCorkle and husband Larry of Casselberry; son, Robert Lawrence Prescott Jr. and wife Jan of Birmingham, Ala.; step-daughter, Clemie Jo Smith Lamb of Kissimmee; step-sons, Steve Smith and wife Jo of Wauchula, Dr. Clay Smith and wife Gina of Sumter, SC; 11 grandchildren, Casey McCorkle, Trea Lamb, Shelly Slade Greer, Justin Lamb, Blake McCorkle, Trey Prescott, Kelly Jo Smith, Abram Smith, Hannah Smith, Katie Smith, and Sarah Smith; great-grandchild, Watkins Greer; and aunt, Ouida Roberts.
Visitation was held on Thursday May 13th from 6-8 p.m. at Robarts Garden Chapel. Funeral Services were at 10 a.m. Friday at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Bishop, Marcus Shackelford, and Dr. Clay Smith officiating. Burial was at Hart Cemetery. Memorial may be directed to Resthaven or New Hope Baptist Church.