Hey son,
I haven't talked to you in a while. We are all doing fine down here on earth. I know you are at peace.

There is an old saying that if a red bird lands in your yard someone from heaven is sending you a message. I know it may sound crazy but I believe it. I always tell the bird how pretty he is and to tell you we are fine. One was in our yard flying pretty close to us on Monday.

I then came in the house and was on the computer and a message popped up it was from Brooke McQuay one of your former students. She had sent me a copy of a concert your band had done in 2013. She had saved it on her phone. She was a freshman then. I was so glad to see it. It looked like you were doing what you loved best. She said she sure missed you.

We all miss you dad thinks of you all the time. He said he has not felt good since you went away. You are always in my thoughts and end my heart, The world and our home have never been the same since you left.
Love you,

Mom

Hey Heath, we survived another Halloween without you. It always makes me think of Shane you know how he loved it. Today is dad's birthday but you never forgot it. 

Uga got their tail kicked against Florida Saturday. We are doing just awful. You know who gets made about that game. 

I can feel your spirit today. We love you and miss you so much. One day I will understand but not until I see you again. That is all that keeps me sane. Why you left us is not understandable to me. I know one day I will get my answer.

Love,

Mom

It has been a year today that you took your final journey. I love you and miss you so much. If I could bring you back I would in a minute. I know you are in a better place. But for me, I need you in my place. Dad misses you so badly he just keep moving so he won't think so much. Tell Shane Happy birthday or you might run from him. He always got so animated on his birthday. Tell him like you always did. Dude take a chill pill. lol

Love you forever,

Mom

It will be a year this coming Sunday that you left us. They say it get's easier but not true at all. I miss you so much. We will be down to visit you on Sunday.I see all the red birds and butterflies in my back yard and I know it is you checking on us.

Love  you,

Mama

Hello baby, l miss you so much. I wish I could see you and talk to you. Can't wait for the day when we will meet again.If you see your brother tell him I love him. This is  such a sad lonely home now.


I Love You,

MOM

Six months ago you left us and my heart is still empty.I wish there was some sign that you could leave us to let us know you are all right.I wish I could talk to you one more time. Not getting to talk to you before you left just hurts.We never got to say good by.I wish I knew why it all happened. Your dad is a nervous cat since you left. We both love you so much. You were our baby boy.Dad wrote a poem about you it is called moving on. He has to keep moving because thoughts run through his head when he sits down.I just hope one day I will know why so my brain will settle down and my heart will not hurt so much.

Love you so much,

Mom

Well it is my birthday Wednesday and I will miss your card and lunch.All these first without you sure hurts.I miss you just as much today as the day you left us. Dad is having a time without you. We love you son. 

Love,
Mom

Merry Christmas Heath. We missed you so much yesterday. We did not have anyone to give out our presents that was your job.It truly was an awful day for me. The light has gone out of our family now and we have to find a way to turn it back on.Remember that we love you with all our hearts.

Merry Christmas

Mom

Happy birthday to an awesome son. I will miss our cake and cards today. Dad, Morgan and I miss you so much. This is really a hard time for us right now.I will love you to the moon and back and then some.

Love,
Mom

I miss you so much son. We have Thanksgiving,your birthday and Christmas coming. No celebration for any of these going on this year. It is lonely without you. I just can't bear the thought you will not be here. Dad is having a real hard time. One day I hope we understand but right now we just say "WHY"

Love forever,
Mom

Never have I been so miserable in my life. You left this hole that will never be filled again. You were such a special person. We are proud of the man you became. We loved your flaws, your sweet spirit  and you were just the most perfect little boy. Dad and I are so sad you went away but so glad we will see you again. Please watch over Paw Paw, Nanny and Shane until we are together again.

Love,

Mom

I love you son and sure do miss you. One day we will be together again soon. I miss your sweet smiling face everyday.It is so hard to let go and I am not sure I ever will.

Love you bunches

Well you left us one month ago yesterday. It is so hard to feel your loss in this house. I thought it would get better but I was wrong. I lit one more candle for you so we have two now and we won't get lost.I hope you and Shane are getting along. I need to be with both my boys. I love you so much and miss you more every day.

The days drag on and on and I expect you to walk through the door any minute. We love you and miss you and can't wait until we are together again.  The light of my life is gone now so keep this candle burning until we are together again.

Mom

Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss!  It was a pleasure and honor to have him as a part of the Peachtree Ridge Roaring Lions Band!  You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers!  PRBBA Board

My thoughts and prayers are with the Lawless family.  May God provide strength and comfort in these days and months ahead.  I will remember Heath as a wonderful band director who taught his students to love music and supported them in their endeavors.  I know that my son is better for having known him.

My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Lawless Family and his many friends on the loss of Heath.  He will be missed.

Dear Lawless Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Heath was a great mentor for me.  He had me teach saxophones for him a few times at Collins Hill.  Everytime that I was there it just struck me how he was so present and focused.  He showed me that you could be intense and passionate about what you do and still smile.  He taught me so much about making music and leading people.  He inspired me to be a better band director.  Heath will be missed.

Sincerely,

Dear Miriam and Mike,
 I don't have the words to express my sorrow for you. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child.  I have fond memories of Shane and Heath when we were small children. I continue to pray for the both of you. 

Love Dana Cavender Thompson

Praying for Grace and Peace in this difficult time for your family. Heath was a fine young man and a dedicated music educator. He will be missed by many.

Dear Lawless Family,
I am so sorry for your loss in Heath.  I went to UGA with Heath, and although I lost track of him over the years, I remembered him as an excellent musician and a great brother.  His dedication and excellence in music education will be missed.  I am praying for you all during this difficult time.

Miriam and Michael I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Praying for God's peace and comfort to all Lawless family members. I'm so sorry to hear of Heath's death and our music profession is missing him beyond belief.  Heath will be remember for love and caring!

What a pleasure it was to know Heath lawless. As I experienced his drive as his band director, Heath became a favorite. He didn't mind hard work and once he had his sights on a goal he was so focused and driven to do it to the best of his ability. He was inspiring to me and so thrilling for me to see as his former teacher to become an excellent teacher himself. His drive and passion showed in his work and so many were positively affected by him. I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to have another couple of rounds of golf together with Heath. He opened up on several occasions about his convictions and how he perceived things and how he was working to improve himself and his spiritual well being. I was impressed with him and how he wanted to please others and be happy. I was fortunate to have known him and his wonderful parents Mike and Miriam who were so supportive of him and his interests. I really enjoyed seeing Heath grow as a student, educator, musician and person. I was proud to have been a part of his development and how he was also inspiring to me in mine. May you all feel the comfort that only God gives in our sorrow- especially knowing that He welcomes Heath and all of us into His presence.

Lawless family,
Sending love and prayers to your family in this rough time.
I can't even begin to express how much Mr. Lawless influenced me. I'm deeply saddened by the fact that he had to leave this world so soon. 
Mr. Lawless was an amazing man, teacher, friend, and an inspiration to all of his students. Sometimes it seemed as if nobody could really function at Lanier without him! All of the memories he made will last forever and I'm proud to say that I had the pleasure of getting to know someone as amazing as Mr. Lawless.

Mr. L, thank you for all of the jokes, for all of your passion, and for the music. But most of all, thank you for truly believing in each and every one of us.
We love you Mr. Lawless..
You will be missed dearly.

Dear Lawless Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I remember Heath well from his days at Collins Hill High School. My son Curtis was in the band and we both thought highly of Heath. He was a great teacher and role model for his students and I am sure you are very proud of him.

Continuing to pray for all of you as you go through this very difficult time.

Mr. Lawless and family,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Heath Lawless, the four years I spent on Lanier Band Boosters. He took a band of 24 kids and built it to a band of almost 80. He always had the same general theme, "we are here for the kids" and that showed in his actions. I know my band kid, Devan Vernold learned a lot and respected him immensely. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lawless, I can't imagine the sadness and pain you are going through. I am hoping that you can find a little peace and comfort in realizing that Heath Lawless had such a positive impact on so many students and parents lives. He is loved and will be remembered by many. 
God Bless,

Dear Mike , Miriam and family, 

My prayers and thoughts are with you all  in the loss of your son Heath.

This is is so shocking and painful.  Heath will forever live on in our hearts......

Dear Lawless Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Lawless was an important part of my daughter Taylor's love of music and band. He was Taylor's band director at Lanier High School for her freshman and sophomore year. He did such a wonderful job of making the kids feel as though they were part of a family. Taylor would often tell me how much she enjoyed spending her free time in the band room. Mr. Lawless will be remembered fondly by many. May God Bless you during this difficult time.

Dear Mike and Miriam,
I first met your family in 2011 sent to help care for your granddaughter Morgan.
As the years passed by I got to know your whole family, and you mine. Words can not express the sadness. I met Heath back in 2011 when he came over to visit one day, he was a kind, quite, nIce man that I had the pleasure of getting to know over the years I worked with Morgan.
Bruce and I are so sorry for your loss, and may God bless and keep you in his care always.
Love in Christ, Dina and Bruce Locher

Dear Family & Friends, My daughter Riley had Heath Lawless as a band director at Lanier and we both loved his wonderful teaching and direction. Let your hearts not be heavy as he brought much happiness & love to his students & parents. God bless you in the coming days. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Debbie & Riley Shannon (Sugar Hill, GA)

To Mike And Miriam, My Prayers go out to both of you. To lose your children before you is not right, Heath was a good person and nephew.

To My Brother Mike And Sister-In-Law Miriam, my prayers go out to both of you. I remember Heath as a good nephew, when I came down for a visit in the summer of 1996. To lose your kids before you is not right                                        Gordon Lawless Jr ( Providence, Rhode Island)

Heath you were a blessing in the lives of many students and colleagues.  Your love of music and leading students to perform at a high level will always be remembered as well as your kind heart.  Many Blessings to your family, my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.

You will be greatly missed, and honestly one of my favorite directors. Plus we had so much in common. I was in shock to hear of such an early passing, but thank you for everything you've done for your students. I will miss you greatly and never forget.

I so much enjoyed teaching with Heath at Collins Hill.  He was a wonderful teacher, man and friend.  He will be missed by all those that knew him.

Mr. Lawless,
There are no words to express my gratitude for you teaching me to have passion for the musical arts. You will be greatly missed by all that you have touched.

To the family and friends:
It's hard to even begin to describe the impacts Mr. Heath Lawless had on my life as a young man. I consider my 4 years in the Collins Hill marching band from 2001-2005 to have been the most essential experience I had in my formative years. Although his work was often more with percussion, the times he worked with the brass or the entire ensemble were the most memorable. He refused to settle for less than mature, hard-working students, but never shunned those who weren't - on the contrary, he developed them until they were.

I'll always remember his beautiful method of conducting in the classroom - passionate, vigorous, intentional - a perfect metaphor for his personality as a director and mentor. I'll remember how I wasn't Joe, but rather Buchholz. I'll remember how the most embarrassing moment of my life was when he scolded me aloud from the scaffolding at the practice field for spinning my trumpet as a silly freshman instead of standing at attention. But I'll also remember how that moment changed my attitude and cemented a permanent, life-long passion for professionalism. But most of all, I'll remember how one man impacted the lives of so many young people and prepared them for life more than any text book or lesson plan ever could. You aren't alone in feeling lost without him, but you and I can take comfort knowing his legacy lives on in all of his kids, many of us now grown and changing the world the way he changed us.

And now to you, Mr. Lawless: 
I wish I could be there to wish you goodbye, but maybe it is just appropriate that I'll be detained by my dedication to my deadline-driven, college-student-centered work, unable to leave with the job unfinished, a value I could not have learned without you.

As you always told us at the end of a long day on the field, "at ease," Mr. Lawless.

To Heath's parents: We are saddened to learn of his passing.  No parent should have to go through what you are now, and we are praying for you both.  We met Heath through Spirit of Atlanta and we know how talented he was and what an influence he was on so many young students.  Our sincerest condolences.
Mandy ('91, 92) and Paul ('89) Seals

Mr. Lawless and family,
Thank you for being an amazing educator, band director, and inspiration to all you have taught. You helped us learn our inner strength and inner peace. May you rest with the angels tonight. Thank you for all you have done for us.

Dear Lawless Family and Friends,

Where do I begin to describe how incredible Mr. Lawless was in my life? He left me so many happy memories to remember and I want to share a few with you being a student of his for many years.

 A few days before his birthday (2014), he mentioned to our band class how he loved Reeses candy, so when his birthday came we all gave him bags and bags of Reeses cups. He had so much that his desk was overflowing. The look on his face was priceless and he began throwing candy in the air for us to enjoy with him.

Throughout my last marching band camp I had with Mr. Lawless, him and I and a few other people had created a silly game of dumping ice cold water on each other when we weren't looking. Anytime we took water breaks, we ended up in a water fight with all of us soaking wet chasing each other around. The last day of the camp the entire band had a water balloon fight which is exactly the fun personality Mr. Lawless had. He would work us hard and still have fun with us.

When we had our 2013 marching band competition, Mr. Lawless was terribly sick at the time with poison ivy all over his body, including his eyes. 
We weren't planning on him showing up to the competition, so automatically we wanted to do our best for him no matter what. Right before the show began, Mr. Lawless showed up surprising us all. We were so thrilled, the entire band was jumping up and down. We instantly dedicated the show to him. After we performed the show, he gave us an unforgettable speech and told us how proud he was. He started tearing up causing us all to tear up. You could always see the passion and love he had. 

Those are a few out of the many memories Mr. Lawless gave me, memories I hold dear to my heart. No matter what was going on in his life, he always had a smile on his face and always gave his all. When he left teaching Lanier High, it was never the same because he left his mark in everyone's hearts. It's sad to see such an amazing man go. I'm praying God gives you all strength and peace. Thank you for letting my share some of my memories. God Bless you! 

Love,

Emily Polanco

Dear Lawless Family and Friends,

We are deeply saddened to hear this news about Mr. Lawless. We are sending our heart-felt prayers and condolences to you. Our family LOVED Mr. Lawless and we will miss him.  He was an amazingly talented man with great vision and he inspired many people, especially our three children.  He loved his family and he loved his students.  We feel so very blessed to have known him.  God bless you! We know we'll see you again one day soon.

Love,

Terry, Leesa, Toria, Terry Jr. and Emily Polanco

I met Heath (then "Mr. Lawless") when I was a freshman at Pope High School, and he was the Assistant Band Director. He was the first percussionist "professional musician" I ever met, and his enthusiasm and encouragement played an important part in inspiring me early on to take music seriously, and to pursue it earnestly and passionately. 

Less than 24 hours after Heath's passing, I walked across a stage halfway across the country and received my doctorate in percussion. Mr. Lawless, thank you for nurturing me in those early, formative days; I hope I do you proud.

OBITUARY

Shannon Heath Lawless

December 9, 1970 – August 7, 2015

Snow's Funerals and Cremations At Macon Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services