Willie Lawson

His Beginning

In God’s country, Mansfield, Texas, on June 12, 1931, Willie Odie Lawson Sr. was born only minutes before his twin sister, Lillian Odella Lawson, to the parentage of Wilburn and Lillian (Moody) Lawson. As he grew from a boy to a man, Willie was not only known for his bright smile and compassionate heart, but also for his strong will and work ethic. He affectionately came to be known as Odie, Odie Boy, Paw Paw, Daddy, and Deacon Lawson.

His Education & Career

As he grew from a boy to a man, Deacon Lawson paved a path for others to follow by becoming a thriving business man and respected citizen in Tarrant county. He was formally educated in Fort Worth Public schools. After finishing at I.M.Terrell High School, he went on to serve in the United States Army, where he received a medal for good conduct. Upon returning from his service to our country, Deacon Lawson began working for Texas Steel Mill. It disturbed him after training so many others and not moving up himself that he decided to work for himself.

In 1962 he and his wife, Gladys, bought their first business from his cousin Neal Lawson, Evans Avenue Cleaners. They went on to open two additional cleaners: Evans Avenue Cleaners 2, and Lawson Cleaners -- located in the federal building downtown Fort Worth. Ten years later, in 1972, he and his deceased wife opened Lawson Bail Bonds. He helped so many people as a bail bondsman. His motto was, "Call someone who cares.” He operated both businesses until his health failed him in 2008.

His Faith

Of all the things he loved, Deacon Lawson loved God and going to church. You could always find him at church worshipping, singing, fellowshipping or leading others to Christ. He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He has seen many pastors come and go. Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr. is the current pastor. Deacon Lawson served in many capacities in the church. He served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, choir member in both the mass choir and male chorus, brotherhood, finance chairman and chairman of the deacon board. He was also president of the senior choir and brotherhood.

After his health failed him he proclaimed to the church,

"I don’t want to rust out; I want to wear out!”

He never gave up on his faith in God and he loved him some Bethlehem!

His Family

Deacon Lawson met the love of his life, Gladys Marie Winkfield in 1949. They were joined in holy matrimony on August 9, 1952. They were married for nearly 54 years. He faithfully remained by his wife’s side until her demise June 30, 2006. To this union four children were born: Willie Jr., Belinda, Lonnie, and Todd.

After the death of his first wife and mother of his children, Deacon Lawson married Mary Howard in 2008. They were married for twelve years up until his death.

His Passion

Deacon Lawson loved God, his family, helping others, and his cattle! As a cattle rancher, he was able to provide for his family and teach others the business of raising cattle and baling hay. After many years of driving his big tractor and wrestling bulls, Deacon Lawson was able to use his skill set to not only train his sons and other family members on how to raise cattle, but also how to work hard and have self discipline. Many can attest to this and appreciate him for this today. Deacon Lawson was active in the cattle ranching business until his health failed him in 2008.

His Memberships

Deacon Lawson was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church Brotherhood, Elm Grove District Brotherhood; National Brotherhood; City Wide Brotherhood as a charter member; men’s chorus, Chairman of the Deacon Board and later Chairman Emeritus of the Deacon Board; Finance Chairman; National Cattlemen’s Association; and the Tarrant County Bailbond Association.

His Heavenly Predecessors

Deacon Lawson was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Gladys; his son, Willie Jr.; eight sisters and five brothers.

His Survivors

Deacon Lawson leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mary Lawson; one daughter, Belinda Smith; two sons, Lonnie Lawson (Vicky), Todd Lawson (Evelyn); Nine grandchildren, Kodie Lawson, Terrance Nichols-Lawson; Cynteria Lawson; Brandon Lawson; Kristian Smith; Loni Lawson; Kevin Lawson; Kelsey Lawson and Kalani Lawson; one brother, Frank Lawson; eleven great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, the entire Bethlehem Baptist Church family, and a host of very special relatives and friends.