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Master Sergeant Johnny Benjamin Lawson, age 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, March 9th, 2025. Johnny joined the Army on November 11th, 1958, He served with pride for 22 years until being honorably discharged in 1981. During his time in active duty he received the following awards and achievements: Seven Good Conduct Medals, Master Parachutist, Member of the 7th Corp Sgt. Morales Club, Eight Army Commendation Medals, The Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army National Guard Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Bronze Stars, and Army Chief of Staff Service Medal. Johnny was born in Rhoda, Virginia on September 17th, 1939 to the late William and Mary (Griffith) Lawson. He attended East Stone Gap High School and achieved an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Mountain Empire Community College after retiring from the military. Johnny was a faithful husband and father who loved his family very much. He was an avid, excellent golfer who scored two hole in one's. Johnny was a good man who gave graciously of himself without expecting anything in return. He enjoyed working in his yard and going dancing with his wife on the weekend. Johnny is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 62 years, Janet (Davis), daughter Lori Reeder and husband Scott of Concord, North Carolina, grandchildren Lawson (Cole) Reeder of Concord, North Carolina, Savanna Campbell and her husband Noah of Kannapolis, North Carolina. His is also survived by sisters Beulah Beard of Bristol, Virginia, Shirley Kelly of Hanover, Maryland, Kathy Richardson of Bristol, Virginia and brother Jimmy Lawson of Big Stone Gap, Virginia along with numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Adalean Willis Of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, and Frances Messer. A Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Visitation with the family will be from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Donations in Johnny's name can be made to Moose International at moosecharities.org. Goldfinch Funeral Home is assisting the family, Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice Services for their exceptional care of Johnny.

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MSgt. John Benjamin Lawson

September 17, 1939 - March 9, 2025