Joel Wayne Lawson

COLUMBIA - Colonel Joel Wayne "Jay" Lawson, 100, died peacefully at his residence on September 1, 2016. He was born January 27, 1916. His parents were Lott and Myrtle Ruth Lawson. He attended Taylor Grammar School, Wardlaw Junior High and Columbia High School where he was president of his Homeroom Class, president of the Student Body, and president of his Senior Class. He was voted the most popular, the best liked and most likely to succeed. He played end on the State Championship football team that defeated Charlotte for the Carolina 1934 High School Football Championship. His coaches were Bee Rhame and J. K. Henry. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1938 and returned for a Master's degree in 1960. He was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity and the ROTC, receiving a 2nd Lieutenant Commission in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was ordered to active duty in 1940 and assigned to the 29th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was in the invasion of Europe landing on the beaches of Cherbourg, France and went all the way to Berlin. He was in Vietnam twice under General Westmoreland of Columbia. He was selected to escort President Nixon and Carter during their visits to Vietnam. He was a paratrooper in both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and has 127 jumps to his credit. He retired as a Colonel in 1964 at Fort Benning, Ga. where he was on the staff and faculty of the Infantry School. Colonel Lawson was a member of the Greatest Generation and embodies everything it stands for. He served his country with great honor and distinction. His self prepared obituary was very modest and does not reflect his numerous medals and letters of distinction. He was never one to seek attention or recognition. He lived his final years at Covenant Place in Sumter South Carolina in peace, surround by loving and caring staff that were honored and privileged to have known him. He is a true American Hero and will be missed by all that knew him. Thank you for your service to our country. A graveside service for Colonel Lawson will be held Thursday September 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.