Lawson Peel Calhoun, Jr.

Lawson Peel Calhoun, Jr., 81, of Saint Simons Island, GA passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The son of the late Eleanor Clay Calhoun and Lawson Peel Calhoun, Sr., Lawson was born on September 28, 1943, in Atlanta, GA. Growing up in the Ansley Park neighborhood, he was given the nickname “Happy” (or “Hap”) appropriately based on his upbeat demeanor; it would remain with him throughout his life. Lawson spent many hours of his childhood at Ashland Farm, the family’s property in Walnut Grove, GA, and also enjoyed frequent trips to Linville, NC and Sea Island, GA.

After attending Spring Street School and The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, as well as The Darlington School in Rome, GA (Class of 1962), Lawson went to Rollins College (Class of 1966), where he played soccer for coach Ernest “Ernie” Wraschek and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

After his academic years, Lawson joined the Management Training Program at Sears Roebuck & Company, which took him to Knoxville, TN and Greenville, SC. He then returned to Atlanta, where he began a successful career in residential real estate with Harry Norman, Realtors. As the firm’s Managing Broker, he opened their Buckhead Northwest office and played a key role in helping establish the company as Atlanta’s leading residential real estate firm. Lawson then founded Calhoun Properties and thrived for over two decades as an award-winning custom home builder in the East Cobb area. Upon retiring, he relocated to the Golden Isles, settling into the tranquil community of St. Simons Island, GA.

Not one to take things too seriously, Lawson will be remembered by all as kind-hearted and thoughtful. He told very detailed stories and wrote the most touching birthday cards. A lifelong learner, he always wanted to share new information with the people he loved or show off his latest gadget. Much like his mother, Lawson wasn’t afraid to wear colorful clothing, and he never failed to give crazy gifts. He loved cooking, gardening, watching sports, live music, supporting local artists, and sailing. He took great pride in his grandchildren, enthusiastically supporting their endeavors and sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen! In the last few years, he earned platinum status from frequent visits to hospitals and doctors’ offices. Despite numerous health challenges, he remained unfailingly kind to the medical staff—many of whom he knew by name—and never complained.

Lawson was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club and a former board member of Friends for the East Cobb Park. A member of the Home Builders Association of Georgia and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Lawson was also a founding member of the National Association of Home Builders’ first 20 Club - 'The Hammers' - established in 1994. He was a strong advocate for the peer-to-peer support and knowledge-sharing fostered by the group.

Affectionately known as “Papa” by his grandchildren, Lawson is survived by his incredibly caring and loving wife of 34 years, Gayle Paxton Calhoun; daughters, Emory Calhoun Herbert (Jay), Shannon Henderson (Chuck) and Stefini Alexander Peavy (Carl); son Clay Calhoun (Kimberly); grandchildren, Leighton Herbert, Charles Herbert, Connor Henderson, Catherine Henderson Van Ness (Lawson), Paxton Alexander, John Alexander, Lily Calhoun Heerema (Jack), Caroline Calhoun Heydt (Jackson), Margaret Calhoun and Henry Calhoun; sister Eleanor Calhoun Fields (Hugh); and brother Clay Calhoun (Lucy).

A private family service will be held in July at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, GA. On September 27, 2025, friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life beach party in St. Simons Island, GA featuring music carefully curated by Lawson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Lawson’s name to Friends for the East Cobb Park (Marietta, GA), St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Brunswick, GA), or Saint Simons Land Trust (St. Simons Island, GA).