Lawrence Preston Gise was born on the 23rd of April, 1915, at Big Wells, Texas. He grew up in a small town in Dimmit County. His parents were Lloyd Preston Gise and Rebecca Mabel Hall. He later married Mattie Louise Strait. They had children, and one of them was the mother of Jeff Bezos, the creator of Amazon.
Lawrence Gise lived a productive life and died on November 12, 1995, in Cotulla, Texas.
Quick Facts About Lawrence Preston Gise
| Full Name | Lawrence Preston Gise |
| Birthdate | April 23, 1915 |
| Age at Death | 80 years old |
| Death Date | November 12, 1995 |
| Birthplace | Big Wells, Dimmit County, Texas, USA |
| Death Place | Cotulla, La Salle County, Texas, USA |
| Occupation | Petroleum Engineer, U.S. Navy Lieutenant, Government Official |
| Education | Attended college |
| Husband/Wife | Mattie Louise Strait (1915–1977) |
| Parents | Lloyd Preston Gise and Rebecca Mabel Hall |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Children | One daughter: Jacklyn Bezos (Jeff Bezos’s mother) |
| Grandchildren | Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder), Mark Bezos, Christina Bezos |
| Notable Role | Co-founder of DARPA, Director at Atomic Energy Commission |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy Lieutenant, USS Neunzer during WWII |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
Education and Early Careers
Lawrence pursued a career in engineering and became a petroleum engineer. He worked with Exxon, originally known as Standard Oil. He was intelligent and a hard worker. He always sought better methods for performing tasks.
His initial government career began in 1935. He was a messenger in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This was only the start of his lengthy career in public service.
Serving His Country
In World War II, Gise served in the U.S. Navy. He was a lieutenant on the USS Neunzer. It was a Navy vessel that traveled the North Atlantic. He served from September 1943 to July 1944. He was honored to serve and assist his nation at a time of need.
Working for the Government
Following the war, Gise continued to work for the government. He became a member of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). This organization controlled nuclear energy and research. Gise was the director of the AEC’s Albuquerque office. He directed work in seven states and controlled 26,000 employees.
He retired from the AEC in 1968 after 33 years of working in government.
Assisting in the Formation of DARPA
One of Gise’s greatest accomplishments occurred in 1958. He was involved in developing a new agency named the Advanced Research Projects Agency, or ARPA. Nowadays, it is called DARPA.
DARPA would continue to fund many great ideas, such as the early internet, voice control, and others. Gise held significant positions at DARPA through which he contributed to the growth of the agency and leaving footprints in science and technology.
Life on the Ranch
After retirement, Gise returned to Texas. He resided on a large cattle ranch near Cotulla. This was not just a retirement. He worked hard there as well. He repaired windmills, fixed pumps, constructed barns, and even tended sick animals. He did all this himself.
His grandson, Jeff Bezos, spent his summers at the ranch. Bezos spent every summer at Gise’s home from the age of four until the age of sixteen. The time he spent at Gise’s residence greatly influenced him.
A Big Influence on Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos has talked many times about his grandfather. He describes Gise as “almost my third parent.” Gise taught him to fix things, to keep being curious, and to look after himself. Bezos learned to use tools, repair machinery, and to think for himself.
These values remained with Bezos as a child. They helped him develop into the person who founded Amazon.
READ ALSO: Jeff Bezos Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
A Quiet but Lasting Legacy
Lawrence Gise was not interested in fame. He worked behind the scenes in significant positions. He assisted in developing one of the government’s strongest research agencies. He assisted in shaping the future through science and diligence.
He also assisted in shaping Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s most well-known business leaders.
Despite the fact that he is more gone than not, Gise’s tale of life continues. He is a grandfather, a mentor, and a leader remembered for making a significant impact in subtle ways.
