Celebrating the life of
Monsignor Lawrence A. Lucree
April 12, 1934 - February 20, 2012
Monsignor Lawrence A. Lucree, 77, a priest in the Diocese of Savannah for over 50 years, died February 20 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus after a long illness.
Monsignor Lucree, a graduate of Benedictine Military School in Savannah, studied for the priesthood at St. Bernard Seminary in Cullman, Alabama and at St. Mary's Seminary in Roland Park, Baltimore.
A native Savannahian, Monsignor Lucree was ordained at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah in 1960. He said when he became an altar server at the age of 7 he decided he wanted to become a priest, and he never changed his mind.
He ministered in 10 different Georgia cities, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbus, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Augusta, St. Teresa's Catholic Church in Albany, St Joseph's Catholic Church in Jesup, Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Valdosta, Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Lakeland, St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Cordele, St. Matthew Church in Statesboro, and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Americus. He considered rural missions one of the most fulfilling aspects of his ministry. He established the missions that became St.Boniface Catholic Church in Springfield and St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Buena Vista.
Another highlight was encouraging young men to consider pursuing a religious vocation. He also traveled to Colombia, South America seeking to recruit candidates for the priesthood.
In 2008 he was honored by Pope Benedict XVI when he was given the title of "Monsignor".
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Americus with a Reflection on the Monsignor's Life at 6:30, and a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23.
A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 24, with burial at the Catholic Cemetery.
St. Mary's Catholic Church suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Father Girardeau Scholarship Fund or the Priest Retirement Fund, 601 E. Liberty St., Savannah, GA 31401.
I remember Father Lucree being the kind and loving Good Shepherd as I grew-up in downtown Savannah and attended Cathedral Day School. He baptized me, presented my Eagle Scout Award and was a Rock for my mother and father so many times. May this good and holy priest of God be welcomed home. Larry Bouchea
- Larry Bouchea, Jackson, MS
My condolences go out to the Lucree family in their moment of grief. Ralph Fleming Benedictine Class of '55
- ralph fleming, layton, UT
Larry was a great person as well as a priest. He will be greatly missed.
- Helen&Vincent Ferraro, Savannah, GA
Monsignor Lucree is a beacon of light. He will be missed. I thank him for sharing his faith with me and my family. He was a gentle soul. I know with assurance that he is with the Lord. May he rest in peace cradled in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- Dr. Paulette Rameau, Columbus, GA
I was in Monsignor Lucree,s Larry class at Cathedral School. It seems such a short time ago. I know God is taking good care of him now. Bet he is happy seeing Monsignor McNamara again. I will be praying for you.
- Caroline Cleary Banker, savannah, GA
I only met Monsignor Lucree once, about a year ago. His kindness, sense of humor and greatness were all very apparent from just that one visit. I know he will be missed by all who knew him... those same people who must have loved him.
- Barbara LaBurt, Tuxedo, NY
I was in Father Lucree's religion class at Cathedral school in the 7th grade. He was a hoot. I am not Catholic but was made to go to the school because of my bad habits in public school. Boy did he and sister Mary Rose get me straight in a hurry. I will never forget him and all that he did for me. What a great person, teacher, priest and friend. May you rest in peace.
- Bill Morrow, Athens, GA
I was in Father Lucree's religion class at Cathedral school in the 7th grade. He was a hoot. I am not Catholic but was made to go to the school because of my bad habits in public school. Boy did he and sister Mary Rose get me straight in a hurry. I will never forget him and all that he did for me. What a great person, teacher, priest and friend. May you rest in peace.
- Bill Morrow, Athens, GA
I remember Father Lucree being the kind and loving Good Shepherd as I grew-up in downtown Savannah and attended Cathedral Day School. He baptized me, presented my Eagle Scout Award and was a Rock for my mother and father so many times. May this good and holy priest of God be welcomed home. Larry Bouchea
- Larry Bouchea, Jackson, MS
My condolences go out to the Lucree family in their moment of grief. Ralph Fleming Benedictine Class of '55
- ralph fleming, layton, UT
Larry was a great person as well as a priest. He will be greatly missed.
- Helen&Vincent Ferraro, Savannah, GA
Monsignor Lucree is a beacon of light. He will be missed. I thank him for sharing his faith with me and my family. He was a gentle soul. I know with assurance that he is with the Lord. May he rest in peace cradled in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
- Dr. Paulette Rameau, Columbus, GA
I was in Monsignor Lucree,s Larry class at Cathedral School. It seems such a short time ago. I know God is taking good care of him now. Bet he is happy seeing Monsignor McNamara again. I will be praying for you.
- Caroline Cleary Banker, savannah, GA
I only met Monsignor Lucree once, about a year ago. His kindness, sense of humor and greatness were all very apparent from just that one visit. I know he will be missed by all who knew him... those same people who must have loved him.
- Barbara LaBurt, Tuxedo, NY
I was in Father Lucree's religion class at Cathedral school in the 7th grade. He was a hoot. I am not Catholic but was made to go to the school because of my bad habits in public school. Boy did he and sister Mary Rose get me straight in a hurry. I will never forget him and all that he did for me. What a great person, teacher, priest and friend. May you rest in peace.
- Bill Morrow, Athens, GA
I was in Father Lucree's religion class at Cathedral school in the 7th grade. He was a hoot. I am not Catholic but was made to go to the school because of my bad habits in public school. Boy did he and sister Mary Rose get me straight in a hurry. I will never forget him and all that he did for me. What a great person, teacher, priest and friend. May you rest in peace.
- Bill Morrow, Athens, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
