Robert Clyde Lawson Sr.

Robert Clyde Lawson, Sr., 89, of Stuart, Va., formerly of Martinsville, Va., passed away on Friday, May 21, 2010. He was born on August 1, 1920 in Patrick County, a son of the late Samuel Tilton Lawson and Pencie Woodall Lawson. Mr. Lawson was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lucinda Mabel Lawson; one son, Ronald Wayne Lawson, Sr.; three sisters, Lucy McHone, Gladys Wilson and Lottie Purdy; three brothers, Raymond, Harry and Harvey Lawson. Mr. Lawson was a graduate of Stuart High School and a World War II veteran who served as a Staff Sgt. in China, Burma and India with the Army's 988 Signal Service Battalion. He retired from DuPont in Martinsville after serving 38 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Martinsville and Henry County United Way and was President of the Martinsville Recreation Association and received the Volunteer Award from the Virginia Parks and Recreation Society in Honor of his service.
Mr. Lawson was a faithful member of Kearfott Memorial Baptist Church and was an ordained visitation minister. He was an active participant in the Henry County Baptist Association. As a resident of the Landmark Center in Stuart, Va., where he spent his latter years, Mr. Lawson could be counted on to participate in every Center activity and was a tireless volunteer for both the Center residents and staff. Known for his kind and generous spirit he will be greatly missed.

Surviving is a son, and daughter-in-law, Robert and Ann Lawson, of Roanoke; a daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Rob Gropman, of Radford, Va.; grandchildren, Kym Morrison, of Radford, Va., Sarah Lake and husband, Scott, of Richmond, Va., Andrew Lawson, of Arlington, Va., Ronald Lawson and Stephen Lawson, of Radford, Va.; and one-great-grandchild, Lucas Andrew Lake, of Richmond, Va.; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be conducted on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Norris Funeral Services and Crematory in Martinsville, Va. The Rev. Gary Edwards will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, 1079 Spruce St., Martinsville, VA 24112 in Memory of Mabel Lawson. Online condolences may be made at www.NorrisFuneral.com.