Altman Lee Lawson

Born in Memphis to the late Arthur Altman “Pete” Lawson and Barbara Ann Smith in Memphis, TN, Lee dedicated his life to being a Christian, a patriot, and a family man.

Lee was a career-long military man, serving in the United States Navy. Lee enlisted in the Navy and served as a SeaBee, but later went on to earn his pilot’s wings at Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. His colleagues soon gave him the nickname, “Goat,” one that he would proudly use for the rest of his life.

In the Navy, Lee flew the P-3 Orion anti-submarine aircraft. He served at duty stations in Brunswick, ME; Jacksonville FL; Seoul, South Korea; and Millington, TN. Lee served as the Executive Officer of NAS Bermuda, and as the Commanding Officer of VP-5 in Jacksonville. Lee retired from the Navy as a Captain in 2000.

Aside from being a career driven family man, Lee was also a loyal friend. Lee never met a stranger, and would gladly chat with anyone he met. When he would ask someone how they were, it was because he genuinely cared. Lee’s family and friends remember him as being a good man, an avid golfer, and a “dog guy.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice Lawson; his son, Gabriel Lawson and his daughter, Marissa Lawson; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Lawson; grandchildren; Sarah Ann Carmack, Emily Bryan, Landon Bryan, and Allie Bryan; great-granddaughter, Eden Boaz; and niece, Melissa Lawson.

A private burial will take place at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, TN. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date in Memphis for friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Lawson’s honor may be made to, Fayette County Animal Rescue (P.O. Box 44, Rossville, TN 38066; www.fayettefcar.com)