Charles Edward Lawhon, Sr. was born October 15, 1943, in Loudon, TN. He was the son of the late Mary Elizabeth and Charlie Lawhon of Loudon, TN. Mr. Lawhon moved to Columbus, GA at the age of seventeen, making the Columbus area his home. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army for 9 years as an E6 Staff Sergeant, including 3 tours in Vietnam. He was in the 7th Squadron, 17th Aviation Combat, and 1st Calvary Division. During his service in the United States Army he earned and was awarded numerous decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations, and campaign ribbons to include: Bronze Star, Army Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service with 2 bronze and 1 Silver Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device, Expert Badge with Auto Rifle Bar, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.
Mr. Lawhon married the love of his life, Betty Napier, together they raised their family of four boys, Charles, Jr., James, Ricky, and Tony. Mr. Lawhon retired from truck driving after 20 years of devoted service. He was also a member of the Midland Masonic Lodge #144 since the year 2000.
Mr. Lawhon was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Charlie Lawhon; his loving wife, Betty Lawhon; his son, Tony Lawhon; his grandson, Ricky Shane Lawhon; his brothers: Gordon Lawhon, Jack Lawhon and Johnnie Lawhon.
He leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his sons: Charles Lawhon, Jr. (Tina), James Lawhon (Allison), and Ricky Lawhon; his grandchildren: Erica Lawhon Brasher (Johnathon), Samantha Lawhon McNeal (Braden), Kathy Lawhon Weihl (Eric), Tony Lawhon (Monica), Nicole Yancy (D.J. Yancy), Marty Milsap, Tiffany Milsap, and Haley Milsap; numerous great-grandchildren; and his sisters: Jolene Daniels and Mary Elizabeth Lanford along with many other family and friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary’s Fisher Chapel on Saturday, October 10th, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Mr. Lawhon’s funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM in Fisher Chapel with Charles Lawhon, Jr. and Chaplain Michael Skarhus officiating. Following the service Mr. Lawhon will be laid to rest in Parkhill Cemetery with Military Honors.
