Ronald Edwin Lawson
Ronald Edwin Lawson, better known as "Paw-Paw", won his battle with cancer and flew to heaven at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012, surrounded by his wife and children. He is healed at last and is finally pain free.
Born on December 27, 1939, in Albemarle County, Ronald was the son of and preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Knight Lawson and father, Charles Lawson; and his sister, Peggy Habern; and brother- in-law, Curtis Shifflett. Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Eleanor Collier Lawson. Other survivors include his sister, Gladys Shifflett of Stanardsville; his brother, Carroll Lawson and his wife, Brenda, of Stanardsville; a brother-in- law, Jim Habern of Madison. In addition, he is survived by his daughters, Sherri Lawson of Ruckersville, Deneen Morris, her husband Lawrence, and their children, Casey and Corey of Scottesville; his sons, Curtis, wife, Amy, their three sons, Cy, Seth and Noah, of Ruckersville; and Ronnie Lawson, his wife Darlene, their children, J. W. Pauley, Ashley Marshall and her daughter, Maggie, and Caitlyn Pauley and her sons, Weston and Tyler Lawson. In addition, many nieces and nephews, with a special niece, Marsha Alley and her husband, Jim, and daughter, Lauren. In addition, a very dear friend that was loved and considered to be an adopted grandchild, Jered Gillespie. Ronald was a member of the Nortonsville Church of God where he served as an usher, church plumber, and a helper to all as he loved his church family. Ronald was a master plumber certified in the state of Virginia. Ronald worked for Jim Beck Plumbing and Heating for 20 years and later worked for Blue Ridge Services, from where he retired. Ronald's joy was his family and his grandchildren were the love of his life. He loved baseball and football or anything that his kids, grandkids or their friends were in his front yard playing. Ronald was often seen with a smile on his face and willingness to help wherever he was needed. The family would like to thank the following, Dr. Barbara Post and Dr. George Beller for more than 25 years of care that each provided. Dr. Geoffrey Weiss and the University of Virginia Cancer Center staff for the care they provided, the Hospice of the Piedmont for the love and care they displayed. In addition, great appreciation goes out to the University of Virginia Physicians Group management and staff for their compassion and support as they made it possible for Curtis to adjust his schedule and be available for Ronald's doctor appointments and home care needs. A special thanks to the James River Cut-ups for many hours of blue grass music that were performed at Ronald's home. He loved blue grass music and this brought many joyous times for him and his family.
There will be a celebration of Ronald's life at Nortonsville Church of God 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, with Pastor David Allison officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Nortonsville Church of God, Vintage Youth Ministries at 1505 Simmons Gap Road, Dyke, Virginia 22935; Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, Virginia 22911; or a charity of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
