Charles H. Lawson

Charles was a faithful man of integrity and charm beloved by his family, friends and colleagues. Born in Lakeland, Florida, and raised in Starke, Florida, Charles was married for more than 65 years to the love-of-his-life, Velma, who survives him. Charles is also survived by his son, Alan Lawson, and Alan’s wife, Julie; his daughter, Laurie, and her husband, Alan Cox; and three grandchildren: Caleb Lawson, and wife, Lauren Lawson (along with sons, Ashe and Ames); Leah Lawson Hart, and her husband, Austin Hart; and Lee Cox, and his wife, Kate Cox. He loved them all dearly and they will miss him greatly.

Charles served his Nation faithfully, retiring from the United States Army Reserve at the rank of Colonel and continuing to volunteer as a liaison to the United States Military Academy for years after his retirement. He also had a 34-year career with the State of Florida, retiring as a Parole Commissioner. Charles faithfully served his church, First Baptist of Tallahassee, in capacities too numerous to list, and travelled throughout the U.S. and world, primarily on volunteer service trips with his wife, Velma. He brightened every room that he entered.

Services will be held on Friday, October 29 at First Baptist Church, 108 West College Avenue, in Tallahassee, beginning with family visitation at 9:30 a.m. (service to start at 10:30 a.m.), followed by a burial rite conducted by the United States Military at Tallahassee National Cemetery, located at 5015 Apalachee Parkway, at 2:00 p.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Charles’ memory to the First Baptist Church, designated to the International Mission Board (fbctlh.org), Mi Esperanza (thewomenofmyhope.org), or The Ridgecrest Foundation (ridgecrestconferencecenter.com).