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Charles Hard Lawton, Jr., age 75, died after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer in Greenville, SC on May 14th, 2017. Born on October 21, 1941 in Greenville, SC, he was the son of Caroline and Charles Hard Lawton, by whom he is preceded in death. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara, sons Chuck and David, and sisters Carol Anne Freeman, Eleanor L. Bean and husband Wesley.
He earned his undergraduate degree from Furman University, and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. He served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during the mid 1960s, and subsequently entered business life as a principal of Lawton Lumber Company. In 1975 he moved with his wife and 2 young sons to Brazil to establish a processing facility to support the primary moulding operations in Greenville, spending several years abroad. In 1991, after the principals sold Lawton Lumber Co., he and his wife Barbara ventured into the retail business as owner operators for over 20 years of Barbara’s Hallmark Shops, with several stores in the Greenville area.
A lifelong member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church, he enthusiastically taught Sunday school for over 4 decades. He had a special bond with his Tuesday morning prayer group the last 20 years, continuing even recently while undergoing treatment. As well as serving as a deacon, he chaired the deacon board, building fund, finance committee, the homecoming committee for the 120th anniversary of PSBC, and was heavily involved in mission work through the RA’s and the Awana program.
His hobbies included golf, gardening, traveling, the Legionnaires Square Dance Club, and home improvement projects, and he delivered Meals on Wheels after his retirement until his health no longer allowed him to continue.
The family wishes to thank the GHS Oncology team for their care, especially Dr.’s Trocha, Christman, Griselle and A. Swalley, RN, and is grateful for the many prayers on his behalf.
Memorial donations may be made to Pendleton Street Baptist Church (psbcgreenville.org), Miracle Hill Ministries (miraclehill.org), or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org)
Visitation from 6-8 pm on Thursday, May 18th, and a Celebration of Life at 1 pm on Friday, May 19th, will be held at Mackey Mortuary, Greenville, SC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.
May 25, 2017
Acquaintance
Marsha Andrejzchick
Barbara - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You and Charles have been so kind to our family when our Dad passed away, and also were so good to my sister for many years. We appreciate you, and will continue to pray for the Lord's comfort for you.
May 23, 2017
Barbara and family, Dan and I were so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. He was such a fine Christian man. He was a man that Dan and I admired so much!! We know he will be missed greatly!! Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!!!!
Dan and Charlotte Boehm (Greenville, SC)
May 20, 2017
Friend
Gail Mckinney- Jacobo
This was one of the finest men that one could imagine. Charles was warm, kind-hearted and filled with good humor. He will be greatly missed,
May 18, 2017
Susan McCauley
Beautiful pictures- A family we love and admire so much! There are so many ways I appreciate you - you have been so faithful to our church family and to our Lord and it has meant so much. What a terrific life and a dear couple and family. I know these are tough days. These lovely pictures bring smiles as we endure sadness of loss with you now. So glad you have your fine boys so close with you, Barbara-Susan Mc
May 17, 2017
Sara Lindsay
Barbara,
I was a customer of yours at the Simpsonville Hallmark Store from the time you opened at the first location until you sold the store at its current location. I have many fond memories of you and Charles. It is not the same without you. I am thinking of you and your family. You are greatly missed here in Simpsonville.
May 17, 2017
Nancy & Mickey Lunny
Dear Barbara, you and the family have our deeepest sympathy. He was a wondeful man. He will be missed. We will keep you and the family in our prayers
May 17, 2017
Marthabelle Rabon
Barbara, I will always remember his cheery attitude. You are special to me dear friend. Praying for you and I love you as I did Charles.
Marthabelle
May 17, 2017
Dear Barbara and Family
With deepest sympathy,
Bob and Carole Brandt
May 17, 2017
Peace Center
We are so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. We hope that you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
With deepest sympathy,
Your friends at The Peace Center
May 17, 2017
Bob and Susan Sutton
Barbara, Bob and I are so sorry. Charles was a very special man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
May 16, 2017
Our hearts go out to all of you in the passing of Charles. We will remember you in prayer at this difficult time. Jon and Ann Guest (Greenville, SC)
May 16, 2017
Ross & Holly Penland
May God hold you ever so close Mrs. Barbara. My prayers go out to the entire family and loved ones.
May 16, 2017
Alan & Miriam Martin
We have wonderful memories of our shared friendship over the years at PSBC. We will keep your family in our prayers through this time of grief and want you to know how much we love you. Charles' smiling face and love for others was such a testimony of his relationship with Christ...and a witness of Jesus' love for us!!
May 16, 2017
Acquaintance
Shannon Nelmes
We were so sorry to here of Charles passing. Me and my children have many found memories of both him and his sweet wife from seeing them at church and working together with them in VBS. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. Mrs. Barbara if you need anything please don't hesitate to call on Fred and myself. Love and prayers to you and your family. Love the Nelmes
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May
18
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
May
19
1:00 p.m.
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
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Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
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