Daniel Jefferson Lawson, July 29, 1935 to July 30, 2022. Dan passed away at home on July 30, 2022 at age 87. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond J. and Beulah Long Lawson, and his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Earl Hutsell.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Gaynell, and their daughters and families, Jennifer and Mitch Moore; Julia Lawson; Mindy, Joel, and Ava Stooksbury; and Ian Murphy. He is also survived by nieces and their children and many cousins. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Dan’s devoted caregiver, Acacia Beaver.
Dan’s ancestry was very important to him, having many generations in Blount County. Early families in Blount County included his family names Lawson, Myers, McCampbell, and Long.
Dan was a successful businessman, civic leader, and friend to many. But, he was first of all a Christian gentleman, who never failed to show courtesy and respect to everyone he met. He held leadership positions and was honored by Maryville Kiwanis, United Way, American Red Cross, Leadership Blount, and the Daily Times Alumni Wall of Fame. His career was as an independent insurance agency owner of Lawson Insurors.
Dan was an avid runner, familiar to many as he ran the roads of Maryville. He loved hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, having great knowledge of the trails across the park. Following retirement, he volunteered for many years in the Smokies, maintaining trails and providing guidance for back-country hikers. Dan received The President’s Call To Service Award in 2009, recognizing over 9,000 hours of volunteer service to the GSMNP. He chaired the Great Smoky Mountains Association, serving on the board for many years.
A veteran of the Air National Guard, Dan was a 1953 graduate of Everett High School and earned a B.A. from Maryville College in 1957. He and Gaynell were faithful members of Peck’s Memorial United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. at Grandview Cemetery Pavilion on Tuesday, August 2, followed by a Life Celebration service at 3:00 P.M. conducted by Pastor Brian Inman. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Peck’s Memorial United Methodist Church, 2438 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN 37803.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Lawson family.
