With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Otis Gary Lawson on February 2, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1950 in Fairview, Virginia to William McKinley Lawson, Sr. and Hazel (Benton) Lawson.
Otis attended Powvalley High School of Big Stone Gap, Virginia and went on to have a successful career in the workforce. Otis had a robust list of careers as a coal miner for White Castle Mines in Big Stone Gap, and orderly for Holston Valley Community Hospital in Kingsport, Tennessee, Majestic Fireplaces and Bendix Knorr, both in Huntington, Indiana where he worked for 15 years before retiring in 2013. In his free time, Otis enjoyed collecting glass, watching Westerns and football games, bird watching, gardening, working on cars, and carpentry among many other things. After a valiant fight with an aggressive, rare form of Pancreatic Cancer, Otis passed away at his home, in the care of loved ones. He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, sense of humor, can do attitude, and unwavering love and devotion for his family.
Otis leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Rosemary Lawson of Wabash, two children, Alisa Lawson and Jackie Bowman, both of Wabash, four grandchildren; Joshua Lawson of Wabash, Angel Lawson of Coeburn, Virginia, Aaron (Tiffany) Lawson of Roanoke, Indiana, and Dylan (Sasha) Lawson of Wabash, 10 great grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters; Bill Lawson of Spokane, Washington, Eugene Lawson of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jane Walk, Dennis Lawson, and Earl Lawson, Sr., all of Wabash, Barbara Rhoton of Gate City, Virginia, Cheryl Lawson Bass of Kingsport, Indiana, and Denver Lawson of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Otis was preceded in death by his best friend in the world, his only son, Gary Wayne Lawson and missed him every day. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father, four siblings, and his dear companions; Chester, Bling, and Girly (Tina).
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Rev. Steve Hudson officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 12:30 – 2:00 pm, Thursday, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the family for final expenses or to Colerain Community Church.
The memorial guest book for Otis may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
