Raymond L. Lawless

FUNERAL HOME

E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Colonial Heights

2033 Boulevard

Colonial Heights, Virginia

Raymond Lawless Obituary

Raymond L. Lawless, 86, of Colonial Heights, died Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008.

He was a native of Stuart, Va., and was the son of the late Daniel H. and Annice Walker Lawless. Mr. Lawless was the owner of Mid Cities Gas in Chester.

He is survived by his spouse, Pat Willis; three daughters, Susan Pron of Chesterfield, Brenda Jessie of Powhatan and Gloria Lowery of Chesterfield; a son, Steven Lawless of Florida; two brothers, Stoneman Lawless of Martinsville, Va., and Adolphus Lawless of Stuart, Va.; two stepdaughters, Terri and Patsy Willis, both of Chesterfield; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard; visitation to follow. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Sycamore Baptist Church Cemetery, Stuart Va. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index on Sep. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Lawless

4 Entries

Felix Associates

September 19, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Rob&Amanda Jessie

September 17, 2008

Words can't express how we feel. Just know your very loved and missed. God gains a good man and we lose one.You'll always be in our hearts and memories. Love you pawpaw!!

MARVIN HARVELL

September 17, 2008

"The Way Home"

Oft times I stumble and almost fall

As I travel this journey of life

Sometimes I think I just can't go on

With all of the trouble and strife

With faith in my Saviour, I push ahead

I fight each new battle so bold

I search till I find the path therein

For I know it will lead the way home

I use my Old Bible when detours set in

It steers me toward the right road

But the pain and the tears shed along the way

They really make heavy my load

I look to Heaven from where my help comes

For I'm not on this journey alone

My Jesus, my Master, my King and my Lord

Is leading me all the way home

GARY STONEWALL

September 17, 2008

I Just Come To Talk To You Lord**

I just come to talk to you Lord you know friend to friend
I am carryin’ a heavy burden and I’m, "all down" again
You see my heart so plain Lord nothing I try to hide
I need ask you to calm the storm that’s brewing deep inside

Many times oe’r the years I’ve had a talk with you
I’ve shed bitter tears, but you’ve always seen me through
So if you’ll just hold my hand awhile and let me rest by you
Take away this awful ache and all my sorrows too

You know the need before I ask, my thoughts afar you see
So humbly now I ask you Lord, send a refuge for me
So be like the mother hen and shield me beneath your wings
That I might once feel joy again and all your praises sing

Hold me Father closely wrapped in Thy sweet loving arms
Protect my precious family and keep them safe from harm
Take my weakened body Lord and grant me strength to stand
I know you’ll never lead me wrong so please hold my hand

I’ve been blessed so much in life who could ask for more
No man’s eyes have ever seen just what you have in store
Keep me humble calm my storms that I might go on my way
I’ll make it through by your Grace and rest in Thee today

My inner soul begins to calm your spirit’s all around
There’s no other foundation where peace like this is found
Here Iam Lord , me again seeking blessings you have stored
I humbly bow before you now…just talking to you Lord

~*God Shall Wipe Away All Tears*~

Walk around me Jesus I’ll let the spirit lead
For I need your help Lord to fulfill all my needs
My heart is heavy laden as I ask of Thee tonight
So if you will dear Jesus just hold me really tight

Let these fears leave my body I cannot contain
Take away my restlessness and relieve all the pain
My nights are long and weary oh how I need your touch
Send down a band of angels if I’m not asking for too much

You’ve already given freely of the Blessings I now know
You’ve proved a thousand times over with all the love you show
I need a measure of faith tonight as my journey I pursue
Without it’s the darkest night Oh Lord what will I do

Touch me Lord heal me please I ask in your sweet name
I’m so tired and lonely now and the devil is to blame
He’ll devour the most righteous if an inch of space they give
With him it’s a daily battle as long as we may live

Get thee behind me satan that’s where you’re going to stay
I just felt a touch from my Jesus the burden rolled away
Praise the Lord O my soul I glorify His name
I’ve fought the fight I’ve kept the faith I’ll ride that Glory train

Things are brighter as I soar higher the spirit sweeps my soul
My foot's on the rock my minds made up Heaven is my goal
Nothing going to stop me now and when the devil comes again
I’ll rebuke him in Jesus’ name and Praise the Lord again

My mind is on eternity and not what earth might give
Sin’s pleasure is for a season the devil brings you down again
But I’ve got wise to Lucifer he’ll deter me no more
I’m marching in God’s Army first stop is Heaven’s shore

The only real pleasure is Salvation the good old fashion kind
Where it brings you to your feet and refreshes your mind
I want to shout far and near of a friend like no other
My Blessed Savior Jesus Christ He’s my elder brother

I’ll introduce you to the Man if you don’t already know
The Old ship just passes once and it’s loading now to go
I’m prayed up my bags are packed I want to get on board
I want to see my loved ones but most of all my Lord

I Have But One Goal

Prov: 16:1-3 The preparations of the heart in man,
and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord

All the ways of a man is clean in his own eyes:
but the Lord weigheth the spirits

Commit they works unto the Lord
and they thoughts shall be established

There’s a time to laugh and a time to mourn
The Holy Bible tells us so
A time for everything under the sun
Then the time comes that we must go

I want my life to be a witness
For the Lord each passing day
I want to watch my grandchildren grow
And teach them the Christian way

I hope my years down here are fruitful
And I can help someone I pray
Maybe help my brother up
That may have fell along the way

May You fill my mouth with love, Lord
That my words be soft and kind
Be a good wife and Christian Mother
And speak with Jesus on my mind

I don’t want my life to be in vain
We only pass this way one time
The years are swiftly slipping by me
I want God’s love in me to shine

I hope I spend what time I have here
To be a witness for God each day
To spread the word of all His goodness
Encourage all to kneel and pray

Then when my days end are nearing
The time for me to leave has come
I wont be sorry for my efforts
Or regret the deeds that I have done

May I greet each one I meet
With and smile and for God stand bold
Tell each one about my Savior
He more precious than purest gold

Let me be a model Christian
So that when my last song is sung
That when I soar on into Glory
I wont be too old to die young

~*On A Journey*~

I am going on a journey
And I don’t think it will be long
For it seems my Savior beckons
Telling me to soon come on

To some that may sound fearful
But my soul will soon be free
I will soar my way to Heaven
Friends and family there to see

I’ve had a good long life down here
I’ve been Blessed so many ways
But my family is close by me
As I finish out my days

Should it be many, many more
Or should today be the end
I am going on a journey
And to Heaven I’ll ascend

Although I dread deaths very sting
In a moment it’ll be o’er
I’ll move from one world to another
There to live forevermore

Oh, what joy that awaits me
As the gates swing open wide
Oh, what beauty will surround me
As I gratefully step inside

Gates of pearl and walls of jasper
Don’t mean a lot ot me
For I am anxiously awaiting
My Sweet Jesus for to see

I am going on a journey
Safely Home some day I’ll be
Where my suffering wont concern me
I’ll be breathing clear and free

Don’t be sad should I leave you
If I go first please just rejoice
I don’t believe it will be long now
For I hear my Savior’s voice

Calling me so gently calling
It’s a touch in my heart you see
Telling me that He’ll be waiting
On Heaven’s golden shore for me

~~**Peace Like A River**~~

Matthew 16 24-28
Then Jesus said unto His diciples
If any man will come after me let him deny himself
And take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever
will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever
will lose his life for my sake shall find it, For what is
A man profited if he shall gain the whole world
and lose his soul?

And what shall a man give in
exchange for his soul. For the Son of Man shall come
In the glory of His Father with His angels; and then
He shall reward every man according to his works
Verily I say unto you. There will be some standing
here which till not taste death till the see the Son
of Man coming in His Kingdom.

Did you ever see a beautiful river
Flowing gently with the breeze of the wind
It’s like my soul just soaring on
To a life that will never end

I’m standing on your promise Lord
As I start another new day
So sweet and pure is Thy word
As I kneel and start to pray

You said you’d not forsake me Lord
I am believing every word
When that small still voice speaks
It’s the sweetest ever heard

I’m wading through deep water now
Exhausted both in mind and soul
Trying to lead the lost ones in
And Sweet Heaven’s is my goal

I can’t help but look sometimes
With greatest of anticipation
I gaze upward toward the skies
I have this "know so" Salvation

The Bible teaches that you’ll be coming soon
One will be left here and one will be taken
That’s why we need to spread your Word
And to this sin tossed world awaken

All have sinned and come short
Of the Precious Glory of God
The devil’s out to devour us all
While here on earth we trod

Oh Praise God for that river of life
Through my soul has flown
And when it cleanses me of sin
I soar to worlds unknown

Eyes have not seen nor have ears heard
What all God has in store
I have been blessed beyond measure
Now who could ask for more

I have this peace just like a river
Deep down in my soul and heart
King Jesus walks beside of me
His sweet blessings He imparts

I may have thorns on this side
Of Old Jordan’s stormy shore
But it will not last forever
Soon my pain will be no more

I can now hear the angels singing
There’s Saints gathered all around
Peace, yes precious peace my friend
What a Beautiful Heavenly sound

He will split the eastern sky and in His sweet arms
I’ll travel far away from all of earth’s harm
Flow on gentle river Blessed by God’s own Hand
I am safe at home now on a distant shore I stand

All is peace and beauty as I look around in awe
I gaze upon My Jesus more beautiful than all
There’s wildflowers everywhere God’s love is abound
Peace like a river forever flowing now

In my Fathers house
are many mansions; if it
were not so I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place
for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you
I will come again, and
receive you unto myself,
that where I am you may be also.
-John 14:2-3

Stairway To Heaven

I can only imagine but by eye of faith
I picture a great stairway into Heaven
As I start to ascend it
A snow white robe I'll be given

Everything that surrounds me
Will be made with precision
I've so longed for this moment
Since my most important decision

My desire to make Heaven my home
And see my family follow me
I have prayed for many years
This Blessed sight to see

Now with each step worries cease
Perfect love I've been given
I'm content now with sweet peace
As I climb the stairway to Heaven

The angels are lined up on each side
Every step of the way
I often wondered if there's be a crowd
And I'd have to make my way

But today must just be "my day"
I'm getting all the attention
Higher and higher I climb still
As I make this ascension

My Heavenly Father as I near Thee
I am so filled with excitement
Just to see your precious face
Will bring such enlightment

Seems now I can almost fly
Although I've not been given wings
But my longing has been answered
At last I can lift my voice to sing

Oh how I love Jesus
Because He first loved me I know
Was the song the choir was singing
On the night He saved my soul

I see a figure walking towards me
With the fairest face to see
And a smile and outstretched arms
As He reaches out for me

I've climbed the stairway to Heaven
Greeted by God's only son
I know there's Glory awaiting
When my life on earth was done

Don't miss this journey that's so perfect
With angels on each side
Jesus our Master most Holy of all
Will meet you and be your guide

Running My Last Mile Home

Times are hard in this old world
Sometimes it blows my mind
But I serve a Loving Master
That is gentle, sweet and kind

When problems start to smother me
And all my will is gone
It's then I feel like running
Running my last mile home

So Friend Please, don't despair
When the world starts closing in
Just get your dear old Bible out
And read it once again

Jesus said he'd not forsake us
Or leave us all alone
That's when you feel like running
Yes, running the last mile home

Many Years, now He's stood by me
He's still standing still
His arms outstretched to hold me
If I get out of His will

But one day some glad morning
My life down here will be gone
And coming to meet me is Jesus
As I'm running my last mile home
When The Sun Sets For Me

The years have passed so swiftly
Where have they all gone
It seems like only yesterday
That my children were all home

I been in the raging battles
I had worries, tears and strive
I wish it could be better
For the sunset of my life

I wish life could be different
Where all could be so calm
Not talking of the present rage,
World War II or Viet Nam

I wish both peace and happiness
For the World I could see
Before this life is over
And the Sun Sets here for me

I can only pray my family
To Jesus they all turn
And all that I have taught them
Would be their main concern

This world is full of hatred
That takes away the joy
It's all planted by the devil
and the demons he employs

But one day soon I'm leaving
For a place where there's no tears
I will get to meet my Jesus
You know, I've waited to, for years

I will Journey Up Towards Heaven
I will be flying free
On the Good Old Gospel Ship
When the Sun Sets here for me

I'm making ready for my journey
My ticket I do hold
I got it from my Jesus
The night He saved my soul

I did not pay no money
The trip for all is free
Jesus paid my passage
One day at Calvary

He died so that I could ride
That Gospel Ship for free
Sailing towards my Savior
When the Sun Sets here for me

Now wont you come and join me?
A fare's been paid for you
Ask Jesus to forgive you
And you can go there, too

It's a Blessed Gospel Ship you know
Though it's hull is bent and torn
It will be passing this way soon
It might be before the morn

So I'll keep my ticket in my hand
In my heart will be HIS Love
And when the Sun Sets here for me
I'll have Plenty Light above

It wont be long now I think
My sun is sinking low
I can see the Blue Horizon
That is how I can know

I feel closer to My Jesus
Still more closer I want to be
He will Reach out with open Arms
When the Sun Sets here for me

*~Wings of a Dove~*

Some days it seems I am so tired and worn
My pathway seems always up hill
I strive just to feel My Saviour's Dear Touch
I long just to do His Sweet Will

Some days I feel lost, without even a friend
I feel so alone and so drear
It seems all my prayers are going no where
I would just like to know that He's near

Than all at once, my burdens just lift
And Blessings pour down from above
He says "My Child, I was here all the while"
I'll send you My Love on a dove

I sent it once for my own Dear Son
My Pride to Him I did show
He fulfilled my work, while walking the earth
I sent Him that dove, so He's know

So, child, don't be discouraged, when things are going wrong
For I told you that sometimes they will
The devil is working so hard, don't you see
Hoping all my Words, he can kill

Just take heed and don't worry, your crossing is nye
Hold your hands up in Praise to Above
You can be sure, I hear your Sweet cry
And I'll send down my Love on a dove

Hold My Hand, Lord

My heart is heavy, my pain is so bad
I know you're there and I'm truely glad
But please let me feel You, in this barren land
Here I stand Lord, please hold my hand

My friends have forgotten, that I need them still
I'm trying, my Father to just do Thy Will
Please show your presence, So my heart will be still
Here I stand Lord, please hold my hand

My body is failing, like a slow snking sand
It no longer functions , at my command
The tempest is raging, My passing's at hand
Here I stand Lord, please hold my hand

Someday I will join the Heavenly Strand
I want to be singing in Heaven's Sweet Band
But until I leave Lord, Please understand
Here I stand Lord Please hold my hand

Then when I cross old Jordan's span
I will say goodbye to this wicked land
I will see you , Jecus in Sweet Gloryland
But until then Lord, please hold my hand