Daniel Lawing

Daniel Edwin Lawing "Dan" CHARLOTTE - Genuine. Caring. Loving. The ability to "light up a room." That's what people remember about Daniel "Dan" Edwin Lawing. He never met a stranger, always had a positive attitude and was a Pied Piper to children. Dan, 74, was born in Denver, NC (he called it the "Denver of the East") July 24, 1941, son of the late Gaither and Irene Lawing. He died November 15, 2015, after a brief illness. He attended Rock Springs High School and graduated from High Point University where he was voted "Most Outstanding Senior." After graduation he became a salesman for Atlantic Envelope Co., which later became National Envelope, managing the firm's major accounts and was named Salesman of the Year multiple times before retiring after 49 years. Nobody just called him Dan. It was either "Dapper Dan" or "Dan Dan the Envelope Man." His success was due to his genuine love of people. He knew all about the families of his customers and the support staff called him the "Candy Man" because he often distributed candy on his sales calls. Dan's outgoing personality was enhanced at an early age as he joined his father for many years as part of a gospel quarter. He was a manager of the basketball team at High Point University and spent untold hours keeping statistics for the Charlotte Latin School basketball team where he developed friendships with students over 20 years. The players affectionately called him "Dan Dan the Stat Man," and kept in touch over the years. He also coached youth basketball several years. Dan was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Joppa Lodge and a member of the Oasis Drum and Bugle Corps. He was an avid golfer and member of Myers Park Country Club as well as Olde Providence Racquet Club and the Sportsman Club of Charlotte. An active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church, Dan sang in the chancel choir and was a beloved member of the Builders' Sunday School Class. Dan also had a special bond with a group of eight men at the church known as the "Tuesday Group" which met weekly for the past 18 years to share life's ups and downs. Dan is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol Cox Lawing; daughter Dana Lawing Ferrero of Atlanta; and grandchildren Louis Finlay Ferrero and Elizabeth Banks Ferrero. He is also survived by sisters Wanda Lawing Rudisill of Mt. Holly, NC, and Judy Lawing Sherrill (Steve) of Hickory, NC; nephews Greg Rudisill and Cameron Sherrill (Jessica) and nieces Lea Rudisill Simmons (Chuck) and Stephanie Sherrill Houston (Marty). Nothing in his life took precedence over the love and pride he felt for his family. The day Dana was born was a turning point in his life. He and Dana shared a special bond. His eyes lit up as he recounted her accomplishments from her early years playing tennis to her graduation and launch of her elementary teaching career. He frequently sent her messages of endearment such as "You're the best!" If ever anyone was born to be a grandfather it was Dan. His grandchildren called him "Grand Dan" and did the name ever fit! Nothing gave him more enjoyment than playing games or making funny faces to make them laugh. Entertaining children came natural to him because he was "just being Dan." Even during his recent visits to the hospital the staff would often comment that they had never seen such a happy patient. A celebration of Dan's life will be held at 2:30 P.M. Friday, November 20, 2015, at Myers Park United Methodist Church followed by a reception in Jubilee Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC 20207 designated for either the Walter Ball Music Fund or Builders' Class Legacy Fund. Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral Director Licensee, 704-641-7606.