Linton J. Lawrence

LINTON JERRY LAWRENCE, son of Patricia Lawrence and the late Urias Mark, was born on December 10, 1965 in Trinidad and Tobago. He was the first child of that union. His family and friends always called him Linton but he was often called, (he acknowledged the names), and became widely known as FatBoy and FatMan, and, within recent years, he proclaimed his stage-name and became known as “Bigga D.” Linton migrated to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago in 1996, reuniting with his mother and siblings who had preceded him in Baltimore. He was educated in Trinidad at Western Boys’ R.C. School, Morvant/Laventille Junior Secondary School and Malick Senior Comprehensive School. Beyond high school, Linton enrolled in culinary school to become a chef. He subsequently spent his early adult years working in the food industry and in retail. Linton later began employment at Maryland General Hospital as a Security Specialist and in 2009 he became a Correctional Officer at Maryland’s Division of Correction, where he remained until his demise. Linton always acted as a protector using his size to shield his siblings, neighbors, friends, and strangers, especially those whom he saw being disadvantaged. Additionally, he never allowed his bigness to limit his activities in sports, dancing, or imitating his favorite, Jackie Chan, in kicking over the heads of his siblings and neighbors. He led a very active life. Linton loved playing cricket. He was the captain, coach, lead batsman and lead bowler of our family team that played matches on Sundays against the up-the-hill team. His down-de-hill team won most of the “friendlies,” that ended not-so-friendly as his team walked home victoriously. He was also passionate about music and began writing and singing since he attended elementary school. His involvement in music became synonymous with his existence Since his teenage years, he began purchasing deejay equipment and would “chant” on the mic and had all of his siblings and neighbors doing the same. His love for music progressed from making his personal mixed tapes to several recordings intended for airplay and public performances. Linton taught confidence because he was quite confident about his bigness. Before anyone could, he would give jokes about his size, and sing about his prowess as a big fella. His presence was automatically known with his 6 feet 5 inches frame — you knew when he made his entrance. Throughout his life, Linton was anecdotal, always having a story to share about himself, an event that happened to him or someone close to him. His stories were engaging but most of all, they were funny. Linton was also an avid reader. He was intellectual and insightful with an interest in history, religion and world affairs. He was a doting father to his daughters and stepson and a caring son and brother. He leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Patricia Lawrence; Four brothers, Keith George, Elford Lawrence, Marion Lawrence, and Veryne Lawrence; two sisters, Yvette Lawrence-Hood and Rhonda Lawrence; two daughters, Atiya Lawrence and Taylor Lawrence; girlfriend, Shawan Allen; brothers-in-law, Haydn Hood and Daimeon Ruiz; sisters-in-law, Sharon George and LaShanda Lawrence; nine nieces, Sommer, Lemoy, Ykendi, Ja’nai, Jaida, Jaden, Nyah, Janae, and Norah; three nephews, Nicholas, Noah, and Niam; one grandchild, Rayniah; one stepson, Amadi Allen; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, and friends.

Tributes

Linton J. Lawrence

December 10, 1965 - February 5, 2012