John Wesley Lawson

John Wesley Lawson, 84, of Avondale Estates, GA, passed away on December 19, 2025, from age-related illness. John was born in DeKalb County, GA, on June 27, 1941. He graduated from Avondale High School in 1959 and then Georgia Tech in 1963. John was a dedicated Georgia Tech football fan until the very end and found joy in the unexpected success of this year's team.

John was an attorney by trade and, though he owned his own firm for many years, his real passion was serving his beloved community of Avondale Estates. He served as a Commissioner for four years and then as Mayor of Avondale for 16 years, during which time the new City Hall was built and the city hosted the Polish Olympic Delegation.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Haley Lawson, his daughter, Karen Hubbard, and his son, Brad Lawson. His eldest daughter, Donna Lawson Cannon, preceded him in death in 2012. Along with his wife and children, John is survived by his son-in-law, Tim Hubbard (grandchildren Madison and Andrew), his daughter-in-law, Karen Lawson (grandchildren Jake, Brand, Sybil, and Brooks), and his son-in-law, Larry Cannon (grandson, Ben Cannon). John was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum and never wavered in his beliefs (or, sometimes to the dismay of others, his opinions). He leaves behind a legacy of passion, commitment, creativity, good humor and self-assuredness. His passing reminds us, during this season of Christmas, that "Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13).