Michael Cecil Lawson

Michael (Mike) Cecil Lawson of Martinsville, Va. died Friday, April 29, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Salem, Va. after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. Mike was born on December 12, 1956 in Martinsville, Va. to the late Cecil Lawson and the late Bessie Manley Lawson Pratt.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents John Manley and Marsha M. Martin, great grandparents Tom and Peggy Shelton Spencer, Uncle Charley Manley, Aunt Elsie M. Contie, paternal grandparents Nick and Lurinda Rakes Lawson, Uncle J.B. Lawson, and Aunts Katherine Spillman and Bessie Armstrong.

He is survived by his sister Debra Lawson-St. John, nephew Robert Cody St. John, special “aunt” Marie S. Cooper, aunts Virginia C. Manley, Virgie Martin and Susie L. Crowe, uncles Albert; Harold; Fred; Bobby; Bill and Thomas Lawson and numerous cousins, half uncles and aunts.

Mike attended schools in Martinsville & Henry County but graduated from high school while serving in the military.

Mike served in the Army and the Navy. While he was in the Army he was first stationed in Korea, where he gained his lifelong love of the Orient. He completed his enlistment in the Army as a member of the Honor Guard stationed in Washington, D.C. Mike then re-enlisted in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Eisenhower. He was honorably discharged from both military branches. Upon his return to Henry County he worked at Bassett Walker and later at Tultex until the textile plants closed. He then trained to be a truck driver and drove with local companies before he accepted a position as a contracted worker in Iraq. Upon his return to Henry County he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although Mike was initially given only 6 months to live he fought the disease bravely for 5 years. During this time he took a sabbatical to Thailand. Upon his return he lived at Spruce Village Apartments in Martinsville.

Prior to becoming ill, Mike enjoyed fishing and camping, was an avid collector of guns and knives, liked to draw, riding his chromed out Harley Fat Boy, loved animals, and was known for his flat footing. He was a loving, caring man, who held fast to his Christian beliefs. He accepted his illness with no anger and fought to the very end. He touched the lives of his family and friends and always thought of others first. He was a loving brother and uncle, a devoted son and a genuine friend to all.

The family will receive friends Monday, May 2, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home in Bassett.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 11:00am at Collins Funeral Home, Bassett.

Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors by the Martinsville/Henry County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Martinsville/Henry County S.P.C.A., 132 Joseph Martin Highway, Martinsville, VA 24112 or to the Martinsville/Henry County Honor Guard, 51 Huff Drive, Martinsville, VA 24112.

To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com.