Obituary of Jack Lawson

Jack Lee Lawson, age 85, a resident of Roanoke, VA, peacefully entered into eternal life with his Savior on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, on August 9, 1937, to Roy and June Lawson. 

He was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Betty Lou Peyton Lawson, along with his parents and stepfather, Bill Osbourne.

He is survived by his loving children, Kathy Lawson Holbrook (Karl) of Washington Court House, Ohio, and Lee Lawson of Austin, Texas. Jack’s greatest blessings included granddaughters Holly Holbrook Truex (Jeremiah), Hannah Holbrook Tremitiedi (Nick), and great-grandson Reuben James Truex. He is also survived by faithful friend and longtime caregiver, David Lawrence. Finally, he is survived by his devoted companion, Mr. Gray, the cat he thought he never wanted or needed. To many friends and family, he was simply “Uncle Jack.”

Jack graduated from Jefferson High School in 1955. From there, he served briefly in the Army Reserves and went on to work for the accounting department of Norfolk & Southern Railroad, where he retired after 43 years of service.

Jack met the love of his life and married in 1957. From that day forward, they were referred to as “Jack and Betty Lou” to everyone who knew them. It was never “just Betty” or “just Jack;” they were soulmates in every sense of the word. United as one, they dedicated their lives in service to the Lord. Jack took on several ministry roles over the years: church janitor, Sunday School teacher, camp meeting pianist, Music Director, Chaplin, and Associate Pastor, just to name a few. Generations of kids grew up at Peyton Camp Meeting on the Greenbriar in West Virginia, spending their money at “Uncle Jack’s Camp Meeting Store.” His greatest joy was playing and singing with Betty Lou; together, they ministered in music as The Singing Lawsons at their home church and surrounding churches throughout southwest Virginia and West Virginia. They often laughed and said that they were the “and others” on the singing advertisement. After Betty’s passing, Jack continued to use his gift of music to glorify God, offering praises with fellow musicians at the “Red Back Hymn” singings.

Jack was an active member of Calvary Tabernacle, established by his father-in-law, Reverend Harry R. Peyton, and in recent years served as Minister of Music and Associate Pastor at Roanoke Valley Baptist Temple. Having completed his mission on Earth, Jack has without a doubt heard the words we all long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Roanoke Valley SPCA, two organizations Jack was passionate about supporting.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 24, at Simpson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and loved ones from 12:00-2:00 pm, and the celebration of life will follow at 2:00 pm, officiated by Reverends Terry Mabrey, Ben Peyton, and John Pfeifer. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Crek Road Chapel. (540)366-0707