Jesse Earl "Bud" McLawhon

With deep sorrow, yet steadfast hope in the promises of Christ, we announce the homegoing of our beloved father, Jesse (Bud) Earl McLawhon, who entered eternal rest on February 1, 2026. After just 17 days apart, he was joyfully reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Judy Carole Crawley McLawhon, who went to be with the Lord on January 14, 2026. What God joined together on earth has now been reunited forever in glory.

Jesse-known lovingly as Bud, Daddy, Big Daddy, Brother, and Uncle Bud-was a devoted husband, faithful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a man whose life reflected perseverance, humility, and deep faith in God. He worked faithfully for DuPont for 30 years, providing for his family with integrity, diligence, and unwavering commitment. His strong work ethic and steady presence were hallmarks of his character, and he carried those same values into every area of his life.

Bud loved the Lord. He faithfully served in his church as an expression of obedience and gratitude to God, never seeking recognition, but simply desiring to be faithful. His life was a quiet yet powerful testimony of consistency, service, and trust in the Lord through every season.

Bud and Judy shared a love story that was rare and beautiful. They did very little apart from one another. Their lives were deeply intertwined, and they chose each other daily-walking side by side through marriage, faith, family, and life. They would have been married 64 years on May 20, marrying at the tender age of 18. Together, they traveled across the country multiple times, enjoying the journey as much as the destination, creating memories, and cherishing the time they shared. Their marriage was not only a partnership, but a sacred covenant, rooted in faith, sustained by prayer, and marked by lifelong devotion.

Even in the final chapter of their earthly journey, they remained faithful. When Judy went ahead to be with the Lord on January 14, it was only a temporary separation. For 17 days, she waited, and then Bud followed-finishing the race and completing the journey they began together so many years ago. Now, reunited, they are healed, restored, and rejoicing together in the presence of Jesus.

He was a devoted father to his two daughters, Selena McLawhon Barrow (James Richard Barrow) and Dana McLawhon Brown (Mark Andrew Brown). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jenna Barrow Tucker (Matthew), Alyssa Brown, Lance Brown, Jaden Brown, Chad Brown (Chloe), and Che' Brown (Keri). He is also survived by his brother, Clayton McLawhon (Julie), his sister, Debra McLawhon Whaley (Mike), his sister-in-law Gloria Crawley Manning (Willis), Step-sister Sue Jones and many loving nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Greenville N.C. for providing compassionate and caring services, to Jo Dennis Edwards, friend and caregiver, for loving our parents at the end of their lives, just as we would, and Winterville Baptist Church for caring for us through this season of loss.

Jesse was preceded in death by his loving wife Judy Carole Crawley McLawhon, his parents Meakin Earl and Jessie Mae Caton McLawhon Hayes, his step-father Carl Hayes, his infant grandson James Holton Barrow, his sister and brother-in-law Brenda McLawhon Gray and Graham Gray.

The visitation for Jesse (Bud) Earl McLawhon will be held on Friday, February 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Ayden, NC, followed by a private family graveside burial.

A shared Celebration of Love and Life for Bud & Judy will take place on Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Winterville Baptist Church, Winterville, NC followed by lunch in the fellowship hall.

This service will celebrate their lives, their marriage, their faith, and the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Come ready to enjoy things they loved; food, music, friends and family.

Though our hearts grieve, we do not grieve without hope. Scripture reminds us, "Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." Bud and Judy were faithful to one another, faithful to their calling, and faithful to the end-and now they are home, together forever.

The family invites those who wish to honor Bud and Judy's legacy to consider a donation to Zoe Freedom Center, supporting its mission of freedom from addiction, faith-based recovery, and community transformation. Mail checks to 4107 Lafayette Blvd. Ste 4. Fredericksburg, VA 22408, or online at www.zoefreedomcenter.org.

Flowers are also welcome as an expression of love and remembrance, sent to Farmer Funeral Home in Ayden, NC.