Samuel L. Lawler, age 85, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., passed away August 19, 2019 at Heritage Health Care Center. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2019, at Heritage Chapel with Dr. Lane Busby McLelland officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:45 p.m. in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Ala. with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be 10 – 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Danzy and Emma Smith; brothers, Charles Lawler and Houston Lawler; son-in-law, Jerry Morrison; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Lawler.
Survivors include his wife, Harriett G. Lawler of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; daughter, Jan Lawler Morrison of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; sons, Thad Howell Lawler of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Christopher Spradling (Natalie) of Atlanta, Ga. and Michael Spradling of Birmingham, Ala.; grandchildren, Sarah Lawler Hadder (Alan), Blake Morrison, Shelby M. Hall (Cody), Greer Spradling, Haley Spradling and Ashley Morrison (Jeremy); and great-grandchildren, Kate Hadder, Austin Kocher and Aiken Kocher.
Sam was born in Lumberton, Miss., was raised in Jackson, Ala., and graduated from Jackson High School. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was proud of his service in the United States Army. He graduated from the University of Alabama and was a banker for 38 years. He spent most of his career at First National Bank of Tuscaloosa and retired from AmSouth Bank.
Sam loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and traveling with his wife Harriett and close friends. He spent his time hunting, snow skiing and enjoying Alabama Football.
The family would like to thank all the people who have cared for Sam during his illness for their love, patience and understanding. Special thanks to Dr. John Miller, and Dr. George Miller, and Dr. Anne Lewis.
Pallbearers will be Blake Morrison, Christopher Spradling, Michael Spradling, Alan Hadder, Jeremy Spain, Cody Hall, Ronald Davis and Bill Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Haverty Furniture Company, past employees of First National Bank of Tuscaloosa, Mary Nell Hallman, Tommy Hester, Barbara Davis and Phillip Marshall.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the American Heart Association.
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com.