Lawson, John William

John William Lawson, born August 7, 1914, passed away peacefully at his home in Radford, Tuesday, October 31, 2006.

He was a lifetime resident of Radford. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served his country during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion Post #30 for 60 years.

John started work at age 16 with W.D. Sutton Construction Company. After time in the service, he returned to W.D. Sutton. He retired from Clover Creamery at the age of 70.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Willis Lawson; his parents, Benjamin and Florence Lawson; a sister, Leona Ratcliffe; a brother, Earnest Lawson. He is survived by a loving sister, Kathleen Ratcliffe, Radford; two brothers, James Lawson, Georgia and Haven Lawson and his wife, Frances of Richmond; a niece, Jeneva McKinney, Richmond; a nephew, Ron Lawson, Colorado; a great-nephew, Robert Lawson, Radford; a great-great-nephew, Ryan Lawson, Seattle, Wash.; and Derek and Brent Woolwine, Richmond; a first cousin, Bill Robertson, North Carolina and his adopted family, Jane, Michelle, Rebecca and Jamie.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Michael Barry and his staff, and Hospice caregivers, Betty and Jenny and his many friends. A special thanks to all the employees at Wade’s Supermarket in Radford, he will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2006 at the DeVilbiss Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Richard (Ric) Wright officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006 at the DeVilbiss Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 645 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019. VFW Post #776 will conduct military graveside services.