Robert Howard Lawton

Robert Howard Lawton, 83, of Bermuda Run, NC, died at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House. Born February 23, 1934 in Winston - Salem, NC, he moved with his family to Norfolk, VA in 1940 where he lived for nine years. Having moved back to NC, he spent the rest of his life in the greater Winston-Salem area, including his formative years growing up in Tobaccoville, NC, where he graduated from Old Richmond High School in 1952.

Robert began his professional career in 1952 with Western Electric until 1966 when he was asked to join a team of mechanics at the “up and coming” Piedmont Airlines, which was later acquired by US Airway. Passionate about the airline industry, Robert managed the Accessory Machine Shop, a position he held with US Airway until he retired 32 years later. Robert also served as Specialist in the US Army in Germany between 1954 and 1956; received accolades, and stayed in the reserves until 1962.

Throughout his life, Robert was an avid hunter, gun enthusiast, and fisherman. He was a member of the Oasis Shriners Club, and was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. As a hobby, Robert bred thoroughbreds and quarter horses, and traveled throughout the United States attending horse shows. He also enjoyed playing golf, and was a member of the Piedmont Airlines golf team.

Robert was preceded in death by his bride of 46 years, Janice Wear Lawton, his parents, Percie Kirby and Leo Griffin Lawton, his brothers Kirby Lee Lawton and Jack Kenley Lawton, Janice’s son, John Wear Kinney, and granddaughter Kristen Leah Dodd. He is survived by his brother Jimmy Gray Lawton and wife Naomi Stewart Lawton of Tobaccoville, NC, and his sister Ann Lawton McGee and husband Donald McGee of Winston-Salem NC. He is also survived by children he considered his own, Donald Shupert Kinney, Jr. and wife Carolyn Underwood Kinney of Clemmons NC, Malissa Kinney Bumgarner and husband Mark Richard Bumgarner of Hickory NC, Debbie Williams and husband Ron Williams of Winston-Salem NC, Lucetta Kinney Zaytoun of Raleigh, NC, Martha Kinney Dodd of Cave Creek AZ, and John’s wife Susan Dutton Kinney of Raleigh, NC. Additionally, Robert is survived by his beloved 18 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren who loved their “Pa” dearly.

Celebrations of Robert’s life will begin on Friday, March 3, 2017 in the sanctuary with viewing at 2:00 PM at New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC. A celebratory service will follow at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends in the Banquet Room following the burial.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Robert H. Lawton to New Philadelphia Moravian Church’s Music Department or The Masonic Home For Children at Oxford.