William "Bill" Manford Lawson

William “Bill” Manford Lawson of Peachtree City, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2023, after 92 beautiful years on this earth.

He was born a Buckeye in Toledo, Ohio, on June 30, 1930. He was the only child of Thomas Lawson and Dorothy (Kaminski) Lawson. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1948, Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal for his exemplary service to the United States of America. Bill then went on to study engineering at The University of Toledo.

On November 21, 1953, he married the love of his life, Patricia Smith, in Toledo, Ohio. Together they raised five children and celebrated 68 years of marriage before Patricia's passing in January 2022. Bill was blessed with great intellect and was always enamored with the world's ways. His curiosity led him to become an engineer working throughout his career at OI, Austin Powder Company, and Universal Studios, where he retired in 1994 before moving to Peachtree City, Georgia, to be closer to family.

As the patriarch of the Lawson crew and a devoted family man with a strong faith in God, he went by many names – William, Billy, Bill, Dad, and Grandpa. Bill led with strength, care, and dignity. He courageously stood for what he believed in and was always a fierce advocate for his family – being thrown out of sporting events for his children and then grandchildren on numerous occasions, both as a coach and a spectator.

Bill was a storyteller and historian for those fortunate to have known him, ensuring he developed the Lawson and Kaminski genealogy information during his retirement. He always ensured that when a new addition to the family was created through marriage, a sometimes long interview happened with the latest family member – affectionately known as being summoned to the computer for the interview. Quick-witted and with a knack for detail, his stories will live on for generations to come. Bill also had a passion for sports, especially golf. His love of golf led him to become lovingly known as "Ranger Bill" and the man you better not hit your tee shot in his backyard man at Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City.

Bill will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his unwavering love for his family, and his infectious smile. He will be deeply missed.

Bill is survived by his four sons, daughters-in-law and son-in-law, Thomas Lawson, Mark Lawson, Jeffrey and his wife Renee Lawson, Brian and his wife Julie Lawson; his daughter and son-in-law, Amy Lawson-Leech and Sean Leech; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Dorothy, his wife, Patricia, and his daughter, Beth Leigh.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Peachtree City. The family will receive friends from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor his life may be sent to Catholic War Veterans Post, 5919 Teletowne Drive, Suite 4, Toledo, Ohio 43612 – Attention William Manford Lawson Memorial.

Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.