John F Lawson

John F. Lawson, 82, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Friday, March 28, 2008 after a brief illness in a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was well known by his neighbors and friends for his beautifully manicured lawn and flowers and was a friend to anyone who needed him. Mr. Lawson retired from the United States Navy in 1966 with rank of Chief Petty Officer. He worked for many years at Burlington Woolen Mill in Cleveland and later at Crown Craft in Dalton. He especially loved his young great grandchildren, Skyler Bilyeu and Madalynne Auberry. He was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Campbell Carlton; father, Earl Lawson and son, Johnny Campbell; sister, Shirley Finnell and great granddaughter, Samantha Michele Auberry. Mr. Lawson is survived by his wife of 37 years, Reba Lawson of Cleveland; one son, David Lawson of CA; daughters: Sandra Whaley and husband, Frank and Diana Auberry and husband, Ken all of Cleveland; brother, William Bedford Campbell and wife, Margaret; grandchildren: Kelli Bilyeu and husband, David of Ooltewah, Kenny Auberry and wife Deanna of Richland, WA, Nicholas Whaley of Buffalo, NY and Erik Whaley of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with his pastor, George Bulson of Big Springs Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with military honors. His nephews: Todd Finnell, Steve Campbell, Steve Campbell, Jr., Steve Humberd, grandson, Erik Whaley and David Bilyeu will serve as pallbearers. His family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.