Bev R Laws

1926 - 2015

Bev R Laws obituary, 1926-2015, Houston, TX

BORN

1926

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

13001 Katy Fwy

Houston, Texas

Bev Laws Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 30, 2015.

On March 28, 2015 at the age of 88, Bev Laws, son of Laura Graham and Homer Laws finished his earthly journey. Bev was born in Fayetteville, TN and his education included time at Virginia Military Institute, the Merchant Marine Academy. He earned his degrees from the University of the South in Sewanee and his MA degree from New York University. He married his childhood sweetheart, Katie Walls and began his career in Montgomery, Alabama where he was a teacher and a coach. Working a part-time job with the city's Recreational department introduced him to the YMCA where he began his career as the physical director, then executive of the new South Branch of the Montgomery Association which experienced rapid growth under his leadership.
In 1963, he accepted the invitation from the Orlando, FLA YMCA to become a general secretary of the Orange County YMCA. Planning started immediately which resulted in the 1967 opening of a new Central Branch. By the end of the 1960s,Orlando had seven branches, a renovated camp, three new buildings and a professional staff of twenty.
After nine years in Orlando, Laws accepted the chief executive officer position of the YMCA of Greater Houston. He was blessed with a strong board, a committed staff of forty professionals, 16 branches and a budget of $2.3 million. Laws developed a resident camp and constructed two full and two partial facilities. The rapid growth of the city of Houston during that era was matched by the growth of the YMCA. In spite of the economic decline of the 1980s, Houston had the fourth largest YMCA in the country.
In addition to his work in his home association, Laws served the National YMCA in many ways including chairing the Urban Group and the National Employee Benefits committee.
Most of all, Bev loved his family. He was the proud father of five children, Lauranne Laws Humphreys, Charles (Charlie) Laws, Rhea Laws, Janie Laws Macey, and predeceased by his youngest child, Kathy Leigh. He looked forward to each and every visit with his children, eight grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
In addition, Bev loved traveling with Katie, attending the children's' activities, playing golf and gin at the club, hunting and fishing with his sons and telling family stories. He was president of Lakeside Country Club and active in St. Martin's Episcopal Church.
Memorial service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, April 1st in St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd, Houston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to (www.ymcahouston.org) or P.O. Box 3007, Houston, Tx. 77253 in the name of Bev Laws Cinco Ranch Day Camp. Private burial in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

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March 23, 2020

Family

Janie Laws Macey

My father was the example for many in how to be the best you can be. I miss my dad everyday. I know I will see him again. Thank you for being a great father.

March 23, 2019

Coworker

Norris Linewraver

On a recent visit to Springfield College to meet with faculty, I saw the YMCA Hall of Fame for the first time and noted the memorial for Bev Laws enshrined in the Hall. Well deserved for a distinguished career that was a source of personal gratification to be a small part of on two assignments recruited by Bev. RIP

May 20, 2016

walter cooper

Katie, Don't know how I missed this...I guess age is also taking it's toll on me. I think back many times on my visit and hospitality with you and Bev as I passed through working with TX A&M and Katy Sch District. Bev is always cited as one of my KEY mentors (surrogate dad)! Hope you are doing well.
walter cooper

April 2, 2015

Scott Stone

Bev was an Outstanding individual, I first met him when he officiated a basketball game I played in at Marion Military Institute. I later knew him when I lived in Houston. He graduated from MMI in Alabama in the 1940's,
I was there from 1947-1951, I later graduated from William & Mary in 1955.My sympathy to all his friends and family.
- COL P. Scott Stone (Ret)

March 31, 2015

Lauranne, Please know that you and Bill are in my thoughts and prayers during the time of great loss.
Pat Maier, First United Methodist, Waynesville.

March 31, 2015

Tom Snyder

Bev was a great SAE. He and I were buds at Lakeside from the day he joined, as well as fraternity bro's. I bumped into Bev last October. I had not seen him in a long time. We both lit up, and for a few moments we were both without a care in the world. What a special moment from above. Phi Alpha Bev.

March 31, 2015

Maxwell

I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted by Maxwell

March 31, 2015

Lauranne and family,
So sorry for the loss of your father and loved one.
Diane Whitlock

March 31, 2015

Norris Lineweaver

Bev Laws leaves a legacy paving the way for others to follow quite literally transforming the Houston YMCA to become one of the very largest in the world. Many staff went on from his mentorship to become successful CEOs of other YMCAs around the nation. There were many lessons for me while working for Bev. Two of the most important for me was (1) to seize the initiative with what you have with a vision for long term consequences, and (2) develop mental toughness to overcome obstacles and formidable challenges. Bev Laws ... a southern gentleman, tenacious manager, leader with unquestioned integrity, all in to advance the mission of the YMCA ... may he rest in peace.

March 31, 2015

Doug McGaughey

Bev Laws invited me to come to Houston and join his YMCA professional staff in 1981. I am very grateful for this. His leadership in mission and service was a blessing to all in good times and challenging times. Grace and peace be on his family and house.

March 31, 2015

Corinne Steede

Bev Laws gave me my start in what has become an almost 30-year career with the YMCA. I will forever be grateful to him for that. He was an exemplary leader with a natural talent for inspiring others to do their best. My sincere condolences to Katie and the family. Rest in peace.

March 31, 2015

Cathi Duchon

Bev was a great leader and I learned so much from him - more than he knew. Last month, when we visited, he shared his experience of the first capital campaign for Camp Cullen! What a treat! He was one of a kind and I was blessed to work for him.

March 30, 2015

Mary and Gary Isbell

Bev was a dear friend and we will miss him. He was one of the finest men we have ever know.

March 30, 2015

Steve Bolton

Bev was a great YMCA leader and a wonderful person. I had the privilege of serving on his staff during a capital campaign in which many new YMCA facilities were built under his leadership. I pray for the peace and comfort of the a Holy Spirit for Katy and all Bev's loved ones. Amen

March 30, 2015

A great YMCA leader! Bev taught me a lot! My thoughts to Katie and the family. Ed Ellis

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

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Memorial Events
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Apr

1

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

St. Martin's Episcopal Church

717 Sage Rd, Houston, TX

Funeral services provided by:

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079

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