Charles Hard Lawton, Jr.

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 53 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.

Arrangements under the direction of Mackey Mortuary, GREENVILLE, SC.