William J. Lawless

William J. (Bill) Lawless, 84, passed away July 1, 2024 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. Visitation will be Monday, July 8, from 12pm-2pm at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs. Funeral will be 2pm Monday at Stringer Family Chapel with burial at Old Crystal Springs Cemetery.
Mr. Lawless was born November 4, 1939 on the family farm to William and Lucy Lawless where he grew up hunting and searching for arrowheads. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School and Hinds Community College, where he met his wife in 1961. He and his wife, Betty Kinard Lawless, were married in 1962. Soon after he joined the US Navy and was sent to Basic Training at Great Lakes Training Academy in Illinois. While in the Navy, he served in Japan and the Philippines where he enjoyed filming with his 8mm camera. In 1964 he joined the Jackson Police Department and served there until his retirement in 1988.
Bill was a student of American history, especially WWII history because of his connection through his brothers, James Lawless and Gerald Lawless, who preceded him in death, James Lawless and Gerald Lawless. He enjoyed photography, military air shows, fishing, cooking out and visiting Rocky Springs Campground with his family. He was very proud of his grandson and his chosen profession in Physical Therapy. Mr. Lawless was a member of First Baptist Church, Crystal Springs.
Survivors include son, Tim Lawless and wife Wendy Lawless of Brandon, MS; grandson, Wesley Lawless and wife Erika Clark Lawless of Bowling Green, KY; favorite sister-in-law, Rosie Kinard; niece, Judy Kinard; special family members Lewis and Jerry Horton; and cousin, Don Taylor of Crystal Springs.