Lawson "L.D." Shuler

BRYSON CITY - Lawson David "L.D." Shuler, 86, born June 9, 1939, a quiet mountain man of deep faith, firm hands and a heart wholly devoted to his family and the Lord passed peacefully into eternal rest Thursday, July 17, 2025. A lifelong resident of Lands Creek in Swain County, L.D. built a life rooted in the solid rock of Christ and the values passed down to him by his parents, Lawson Emory Shuler and Mildred Hyacinth Huffstetler Shuler faith, work and love. He was the beloved husband of Betty Burnette Shuler, and their love story was one of God's finest. They met at Betty's workplace, where L.D., full of charm and wit, asked her out. Their first date was postponed by a tractor accident and a broken leg, but L.D. showed up on crutches and never looked back. From that humble beginning blossomed a steadfast devotion that only heaven could author.
L.D. loved Betty with every part of his soul. You could see it in the way he watched her play music, in the way they farmed side by side, in the long nights hauling cattle together and in the peace that surrounded them when they were simply present with one another. Theirs was the kind of love that was strong, steady and rooted in Christ, the kind of love that endures all things.
L.D. worked many years at Singer Furniture, while raising cattle and tending the land the Lord entrusted to him. A respected cattleman and farmer, he was known for his honesty, quiet wisdom and a handshake that carried more weight than any signature ever could.
Their farm on Lands Creek was a place of peace and welcome where the coffee cup never emptied, cheesecake was always on hand and the birds at the feeders bore witness to a life well lived.
Though they didn't have children of their own, L.D. and Betty opened their hearts and home to Sandy Patton, adopting him at age 12. L.D. often spoke with pride about Sandy, a pride that came from deep within the heart of a father who chose love.
L.D.'s life was anchored in Christ. He served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, where he taught with quiet conviction and a well-worn Bible in hand. In his later years, the Lord led him to Deep Creek Baptist Church, where he found a new spiritual home and stood firm in his testimony. His voice could be heard proclaiming the hymn that marked his heart and his walk, "Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow." It was more than a song, it was the story of his life.
L.D. also had a fiery love for Swain High Maroon Devil football and cheered with mountain-sized pride. He loved college football too, especially the Tennessee Volunteers a true "Go Vols!" man if there ever was one.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Burnette Shuler; son, Sandy Patton; brothers, Vaughn (Sheila) Shuler and Wade Shuler; a wide circle of nieces, nephews and cousins; and dear friends all touched by his quiet strength, quick wit, sharp tongue and gentle kindness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne, Talmadge and Thomas; sisters, Peggy, Blondina, Wanda, Moenia and Eiltha; his best friend, Kenneth Cloer; and a host of other saints who no doubt welcomed him into glory.
A celebration of L.D.'s life was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 19, at Deep Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where friends and family gathered to honor a man who walked humbly, loved mightily and followed Jesus without wavering. Pastor Mike Cogdill officiated.
The family received friends from 12 to 2 p.m., Saturday at the church. In his memory, take a moment to sit a spell on the porch, breathe in the mountain air, be still and wait for the cows to come home. That's where you'll feel him most.