Career
He was the father of William P. Lawrence. "Fatty" went on to become the head of Nashville’s Water and Sewerage Services Department. Namesake of the Robert L. Lawrence, Junior., Filtration Plant.
Lawrence was a prominent guard for Dan McGugin"s Vanderbilt Commodores football team of from 1921 to 1924.
He was a part of three conference titles. Lawrence recovered a fumble in the end zone for Vanderbilt"s fourth touchdown.
Lawrence also intercepted a pass in the scoreless tie with Michigan. He was mentioned as one the of the players of the game in the 14 to 6 victory over Tennessee.
The Nashville Banner said Lawrence had been "in there doing a man"s job blocking a kick and tackling with the deadliness of a tiger unleashed in a cave of lions."
1924
He was selected All-Southern by his teammates.