Willie Clyde Lawson graced this world with his presence on July 30, 1942, in Malvern, Arkansas.

He peacefully departed this life on May 4, 2026.

Willie was the second-born child to the union of the late Ira Matthew Lawson and the late

Mary Louise Reed Lawson.

He was a proud honor graduate of A.A. Wilson High School in Malvern, Arkansas, class of 1961,

where he was also an outstanding athlete, serving as an All-state quarterback for the Wilson Dragons

football team. He continued his education at the University of California, San Bernardino College

where he studied Electronic Technology, before returning home to care for his ailing father. Later in life, he pursued and

earned a diploma in Industrial Electronics/Electricity from Ouachita Vocational Technical School.

Willie was a man of strength, quiet wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. He believed in doing what was right,

working hard, and showing up for the people he loved. His presence brought comfort, guidance, and a steady foundation to

those around him.

Willie dedicated many years of his life to his work, retiring from Reynolds Metals Company in 1984 and later from Kimzey

Water Company in 2004. He was a skilled and hardworking man who took great pride in his abilities and craftsmanship.

Known as a true “jack of all trades,” Willie often referred to himself as a “shade tree mechanic,” yet his knowledge and

expertise extended far beyond that title. He completed coursework and developed skills in automotive mechanics, basic

computer technology, welding, business, and income tax preparation. He was also a state-certified millwright, a testament

to his dedication to learning and mastering his craft.

After retirement, Willie found great joy in restoring the land his parents owned, continuing to work with his hands and

take pride in building and maintaining something beautiful.

Beyond his professional life, Willie was deeply committed to serving both his church and his community. He was a faithful

and active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, where he served as a steward, trustee, and treasurer for the Building and

Mortgage Fund. He was also the founder of the Carrie Lee Can Ministry, a meaningful outreach that earned him the

affectionate nickname, “The Can Man.” Willie was a devoted member of the choir and found great joy in praising the Lord

through music.

His commitment to service extended beyond the church walls. Willie was an active member of the Jaycees and served in

Civil Service. He worked with the Hot Spring County Salvation Army R.O.S.E. program and served as the president and

treasurer of the Malvern Band Booster Club, where he faithfully supported his children and their endeavors. He also served

on the Malvern Housing Authority Board and contributed to the Literacy Council of Hot Spring County. His dedication to

his community did not go unnoticed, He and his wife, Louise, were honored with the “Hometown Spirit” Award presented

by Malvern National Bank in 1991.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira Matthew Lawson and Mary Louise Reed Lawson, and his beloved siblings, Ella

Mae Wilson, J.C. Shannon, Ruby C. LeGrande, Jimmie Louise Buffington, Ada Mae Hill, and R.W. Lawson.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years, Elsa Louise Lawson; his children, Shelton (Marissa), Shawn

(Leo), and Stephanie; his grandchildren, Rachel, Reanna, Stanley, and Ariah; six great-grandchildren; and his loving sister

Charlene Haggerty. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold

him in their hearts.

His legacy of love, strength and faith will forever live through all who knew and loved him.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

Our Father’s Garden

Our father kept a garden.

A garden of the heart;

He planted all the good things,

That gave our lives their start.

He turned us to the sunshine,

And encouraged us to dream:

Fostering and nurturing

The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,

He protected us enough;

But not too much because he knew

We would stand up strong and tough.

His constant good example,

Always taught us right from wrong;

Markers for our pathway that will last a lifetime long.

We are our Fathers garden,

We are his legacy.

Thank you Dad we love you...

~unk

Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors

" The Epitome of Service "