There are so many memories it is hard to pick just one. We seemed to find so many things to do as a whole crew. 
I asked Jeff to walk me down the aisle. Our wedding was simple but the Lawhorn’s made the occasion a huge event. I remember Jason had to return the tuxedo’s but several of them were soaking wet.
Swimming in Tuxedo’s is tough.

Jeff ask one thing of us at the end of Lorraine’s service, he said
                                                    To be kind to each other

Sundi

The world has lost a special person ❤️   Jeff was Kind,Loving, Compassionate,Generous & so Funny.  He listened & his Wisdom knew no bounds . What a Blessing for those who knew him as  Husband, Dad, Brother ,Uncle, Friend, & Associate  He is now in the Presence of the Lord & knowing Jeff he is enjoying every minute of it.   Lifting  his voice in praise to God   &  I’m sure he has his guitar in hand. Love to All ❤️❤️

 Jeff was a witty,  cool and loving uncle to me.  He will be greatly missed.  I love you Uncle Jeff♥️


Neighbor, Boss, Friend...40+ years of connections, the downstairs computer room in the house before we upgraded to "real" office space, working in the upstairs room over the pool at Court South.  Always an impending deadline to meet - work hard, play hard.  It was  great sharing time with the whole Lawhorn family, Duke and Ruth, Jason, Jessica and Sam - Shaun Norm, Ron and all of Lorraine's clan.  The utter sadness of loosing my workmate and "sister", Lorraine, followed by the honor of attending Jeff and Donna's wedding ( so glad he found a new partner and mate) - Jeff has been a much loved presence in my life and will be sorely missed. I know the angels are celebrating his arrival.
The attached picture is of Jeff singing troubadour style at Barry's and my wedding in 1983.  

I knew Jeff for several years.  
First, I was one of the guys that helped he and Lorraine start his CPA business in 1979 and thereafter.  Second   he started doing my tax work in 2000 and thereafter.  He was a really great guy and good friend.  It is a shame that he had to go so soon.  He will be greatly missed.

Jeff was not my dad or my uncle. He was the ex husband of my stepmother Cathy whom my dad married in 1981. I was 10 years old.  From the first time he came to pick up his three children for a weekend having his kids. He asked my dad if I may go with him and his kids for the weekend. He did not need to do this but it was his generosity both to me and to my new step mom and my dad. It gave them some time without a child around. It gave me a new family. He became a father figure. Always so kind but stern and steadfast in the teaching of values, family and respect.  He took me to his parents house for Easter, thanksgiving and Christmas. He even threw a couple great Halloween parties. His kindness bestowed upon me was never ending and without hesitation. He opened his family to me an only child. I gained a wonderful family including his wife Lorraine and all the Rush nieces and nephews from New York. Jeff took me over to his parents house for holidays. Duke and Ruth Lawhorn opened their home to me and included me in all celebrations as if I was their own grandchild. I gained Jeff’s brothers and there children as extended family as well. I have enjoyed many birthdays and holiday celebrations with Jeff and Donna since she joined the family with a surprise wedding on Market Square. I then gained Donna’s family at that time and she welcomed me just as much as Jeff always did. We never missed a beat and the family just kept growing with everyone getting married and having kids. I feel as if I have a huge family now. The warmth and love that I have felt all these years as if my last name was Lawhorn I will forever be grateful for. He introduced me to the classic bands that he enjoyed playing music from. The family band and his musical influences have led me to have a rich life in this world as I have traveled with numerous bands and seen well over a thousand concerts in my life time. I will miss his laugh, straight forward  talks, his wisdom, and the  love he showed me.

Jeff was always so generous to me, a kid who wasn't his.  I spent as much time at his house growing up as I did my own. At my first sleepover when I was 13, I got to see Jeff play the drums for the first time and thought he was the coolest dude in the world.  I was taken on trips with the family, and even got to be a small part of the family band.  He enriched my life and I will miss him.  

I remember when I first met Jeff. I was starting my first business and didn’t have a clue what I was doing. He knew that and helped me set up a business that was successful for over thirty years. We became best friends instantly and had so much fun whenever we were together. From Jamaica to Cincinnati we knew no limits. I was honored to marry Jeff and Donna. Jeff even pranked me with the vows. The stories could go on and on but I will end with I loved him .

Jeff was one-of-a-kind. So brilliant, wise, caring, funny, talented and approachable, Jeff always knew the answer to any accounting question you threw at him, but, more importantly, he was a bright light in our lives, such a good friend to Ed and me, and a loyal partner of The Legacy Centre. We’ll always be grateful to him for welcoming us to have TLC’s office in his building and being such a wonderful host of our events. He was a champion of family businesses and went out of his way to mentor, serve, and support both small and large businesses throughout our community...on many occasions, staying up all night to finish tax work or to answer that last client email. That's just who Jeff was! He went above and beyond in all things and for all people.

He loved the Lord, his family, and clients fiercely. I'll always remember when my Dad died, Jeff knew exactly what to say and was such a comfort to me, coming to the funeral and giving me one of those big Jeff hugs. His kindness and compassion for others were a shining example of how to treat others. He used to say he has never had anybody turn away from the power of kindness, and we couldn't agree more.

There are some people who come into our lives and take up residence in our hearts forever. Jeff was one of those dear souls. To me, he was like a father figure. I can still hear Jeff's voice so clearly in my head giving me advice, sharing his wisdom or a kind word. He's missed on so many levels already... I'll miss sitting in our tax advising appointments and hearing his many entertaining stories...or seeing him wear those hilarious bubba teeth he'd put in to make people laugh... He made work and life fun, and we loved him for it!

Jeff will always have a special place in my heart. His amazing legacy will live on at the company he founded over 40 years ago and at TLC, where we had the great pleasure of serving alongside him for a decade.

Much love to Donna and the entire family, 
Cindy & Ed Seaver

Dear Donna and family,
It is with a sad heart that I read of Jeff's passing.  Jeff was a member of our Knoxville support group for Spasmodic Dysphonia and will be greatly missed.  Our whole group was so inspired when he sang a beautiful song to us during one of our meetings at Panera's restaurant in Bearden.  I will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his very uplifting and positive influence on us all.  I am so sorry for your loss.
With love and prayers to you and your family,
Susan Beck
(Greater Knoxville Area Support Group Leader for the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association)

Jeff was a kind, smart, and generous man. We appreciate his hospitality in allowing the Knoxville Association of Women Executives to meet at the Lawhorn office. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Jeff was always the first smiling face in any room, welcoming all with warmth and grace.  His wisdom and dedication to helping others  was unmatched. He will be greatly missed !

On December 6th, 1999 Jeff’s wife Lorraine (and my sister) died as a result off workplace violence which occurred at the Lawhorn & Associates offices.  This despicable act was beyond comprehension and was one of the darkest times in Jeff’s life as well as ours.   During this time Jeff’s faith was so evident and he was so attentive to all of Lorraine’s family while experiencing his own unimaginable grief.  After the funeral that evening Jeff directed us all to his music room downstairs and he lead us in a celebration of Lorraine’s life. He and his children played and sang a medley of songs in honor of Lorraine.  I remember that an indescribable feeling of unity and joy came over all of us as we all sang and danced in that room. The darkness had been lifted and the Spirit of love and connectedness consumed the room. Jeff’ selfless example to love regardless of the circumstance is a memory I will never forget.  There will never be another Jeff and his leaving this world has left a deep wound in all of us.  May we all cherish the many wonderful memories of this remarkable man. 
Barbara Little & Family

Jeff, we will miss you.  What an impact you made on my life, and so many lives.  You reflected the wisdom, humor, kindness, diligence, and love of God.  In fact, you radiated it.  I know Him better because of you.  Thank you for that.  Thank you for being my friend.  Enjoy your graduation into glory and the celebration of a job "well done".  We will join you soon and celebrate together. 

What an awesome man with a great legacy!!  Jeff was our cousin Donna's husband, so therefore he was our cousin too.  We never met a more talented, funny, smart, loving man if our life.  Jeff always put a smile on your face whenever he entered the room.  We spent a couple of Thanksgivings with Jeff and the family and when he walked in, the party started.  He would always bring the entertainment and had everyone participate.  Always SO much fun!!!  He even convinced my great niece of how musically talented she was and she is someone who lacks self confidence and had never played any instrument.  Now she plays the drums at school and is very good.  Thanks Jeff for all the wonderful memories, and thank you too for making our sweet Donna so happy!!  You will be dearly missed.  Praying for Donna and the rest of the family!!!  Love and prayers, The Crowley Clan

All I've ever known of Jeff since i was a kid going over to his house to listen to him and the kids play music and entertain everyone, was that he was man that truly loved and cared for everyone he knew..a man that took great satisfaction in helping others and always treated people with kindness and compassion. It was almost impossible to be in a bad mood around him as if he mad it his purpose in life to give of himself to make everyone around him happy and feel loved!! He will be missed


This is John Mallory, Jeff’s cousin.  I was very sorry to hear today of Jeff leaving this world.   I have many memories from our youth on Dutch Road and of near Sunrise in his big house in Charleston.  We would go visit several times a year and stay for hours.   We did lots of playing and just hanging  out.  I am the older of our 3 boys, but 2 years younger than Ronnie and 3 years older than Jeff.   We ALL followed Norman in whatever he did - motorcycles, hiking whatever.   It was always fun and different going to see the Lawhorn’s.  We also visited several times at the Dixie Lee motel outside of Knoxville.  Again, fun times.   Please know others out here are also grieving his loss.  In fact, last Saturday I went out on the Internet looking up the Lawhorn CPA firm to see if Jeff was still running it.  He was.  Be well and be assured that Jeff is loved and in the presence of our God at this very moment.   John 

I read of Jeff’s passing with deep sadness.  One might assume that a relationship with your accountant would be transactional: You pay him money.  He does your taxes.  This is not how I would define my relationship with Jeff.

I met Jeff in his office in the Summer of 2014.  I was newly married.  I had a new job.  We were moving overseas.  The next 6 years would bring more firsts and through it all, Jeff was not only my accountant, but became my advisor and mentor on the road to establishing myself and my career.   He was there to give advice, even at 2 am in the morning, I'd occasionally receive a response from Jeff.  He would frequently warn me against dubious investment decisions and help me comb through new work contracts to ensure I was not signing onto something that could cause me problems down the road.  Through it all, I understood that he truly cared about my well being beyond just saving me money.  Jeff became a special part of my life, someone I frequently called on for advice, and a friend.  My successes in my career and life are because of people like him.  People who cared.

These past few months I sensed something was wrong.  Having had conversations with Jeff about his health, even discussions about his PET scan results, I was prepared for the worst, but held out hope that he would once again fight through it like the warrior spirit he was. The sadness I feel now is, therefore, not the loss of my accountant, but the loss of a life coach, a mentor, and a friend.  

Jeff and I are both people of faith.  Though we may have different religions, we both worshiped the same Merciful God.  We have a saying in our faith: 

“To Him we belong, and to Him we shall return.”  

Jeff has returned to the All Merciful.  May he be granted the highest of honors in the next world.  Amen. 

~ Avez Rizvi, MD

I would not be where I am in my life, without Jeffery. What a stand up man, and x-brother-in-law. God Speed my friend.



Peace be with you all.  We  very much enjoyed all of our encounters with this great man for so many years.  Godspeed to him and gratitude for the legacy of love he leaves for the community and his family. Tom and Deanene

We're so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We have so many great memories of Jeff and his family. These memories always make us smile. Our condolences to his family, especially Jason, Jessica. Joshua and Donna. He was one amazing guy and this is a loss for all who knew him.

This picture was taken on my birthday last year. Dad always knew how to have fun. Right as donna snapped the picture he says dont post this to Facebook this pic is special because you have your eyes open and you look like your mother. It is my favorite picture because of how he is looking at me. I had seen that look before never thought I would be able to capture it in a picture. Jessica 

Jeff was one of the great men that I have enjoyed in my life as a dear friend. He was my accountant and the very best I ever had. No where could a man find a friend like Jeff he was sincere and truthful and would go out of his way to help anyone he could. I cannot find words to express that the world has lost one of its greats and heaven has the gain. See you in heaven my beloved and wonderful friend.

Gary Long

My memory  of Jeff  was the way he volunteered to help people with disabilities. He would bring his band and play at fun raiser. He always had a smile on his face. When East Tennessee  Technology center needed help he was right there. We will always remember  just how kind and Caring Jeff was. He will be missed greatly. We pray that God will comfort his family in  this time of sadness. May God Bless you All

I had the privilege of meeting Jeff 12 years ago, when my wife Sheila  and I moved to Knoxville after leaving Los Angeles, where we were born and raised.

My friend Chris Wetherall spoke so highly of Jeff, so Chris introduced me to Jeff and I can honestly say that "Jeff is brilliant, the absolute best accountant I have ever worked with.  His kindness is equal in respect to his talents.  He always brought a huge smile to my face when we would be together.  Jeff was always positive, always seeking answers and solutions to all my concerns, and the concerns of others.  I am gifted to be able to always have wonderful memories of my time with Jeff.  The sign of a Great Man is his family, and I can't say enough about Donna, Jason and Ashleigh.  I have not had the pleasure of meeting the other members of his family.  I wish your family lots of Smiles from all the Great things their Man did, all the time.  My heart hurts, it's a huge loss when the planet loses a Great Man and Friend.  I Love You Jeff.....you will always be in my heart!

My favorite memory is when you and Donna invited me to a party at Preservation Pub on market square and surprised everyone with your wedding ceremony! So full of life and surprises! Your laughter would light up a room. Always a smile on your face especially when talking about your grandchildren!❤❤❤ Always a friend and the best CPA ever!!!!

Jeff was my accountant, strategic advisor, mentor, and friend for over 25 years.  No one person did more for me than this guy.  He was the best of the best in terms of his acumen, talent, intellect, compassion and humanity.  He will be sorely missed by many.

Love and laughter are the two words that best describe Jeff. I called him my second family but he made everyone feel like a part of his family. I was introduced to him to be my accountant when he was just starting his business in the basement of a house. That was the beginning of a most precious relationship with him and his loving and fun family. I was especially privileged to participate in the making of his album Age to Ages where I worked on the music videos. This involved looking through hundreds of hours of family home movies that drew me even closer to his life as a father, a son, a brother, a husband and so much more. The most fun was collaborating on video concepts and then going out on various locations to video tape him with his family band. This took us from old restaurant settings in Knoxville to the top of Andrews Bald in the Smoky Mountains and so many places in between hauling his guitar and recording equipment. We also comforted each other when tragic events happened in each of our lives. Through it all, the good and the sad, Jeff maintained his impeccable and unwavering integrity of the value of all humans and their dignity. He was truly an angel on Earth. May his memory be eternal.

I remember Jeff as a great uniter of people end of ideas.

The only thing larger than Jeff's personality was his heart! He was thoughtful, kind, funny, quirky, mischievous, and always a gentleman. 

It's hard to select just one memory from so many years of wonderful conferences and round tables and grueling deadlines. But Orlando was magical... especially watching him dance with you, Donna, and the deep abiding love he had for you shining through. 

My prayers are with you in the coming days, sweet lady. God bless. 

Love, Donna (Dee Dee)

I have known Jeff for 32 years and worked with him for 28 years.   I was looking for work when he hired me and I never looked for work since,   I had been an accountant for 25 years and work for different companies that would get bought out by bigger companies or go by the way side.  Passed the CPA late in life and Jeff took me in and made a working CPA out of me.  He made a career for me when others thought I was too old.  I owe my good life in East TN to Jeff Lawhorn.   His passing is a big loss to me and a hard chapter in my life to have closed.   He is my hero and I loved him.  He will be missed.  There will never be another that can replace Jeff Lawhorn.   I pray that his compassion for others can live on thru me.   
My heart goes out to Donna and the family.  May God Bless you all.   
Love to all,
James Carroll

OBITUARY

Jeffery Hugh Lawhorn

January 28, 1953 – July 1, 2020

Berry Highland Memorial

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