Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late John Bruce and Hillian Ramsey Lawton. He was a member of Chiquola Baptist Church where he had served as trustee. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, WWII, having served from 1943 to 1946 as a canine handler in the Pacific Theater. He was retired from Greenwood Mills after 30 years as a Warehouse Supervisor. He was a caring husband, loving father and grandfather, a terrific brother, and will be greatly missed by his family.

Surviving are his wife of the home, a daughter, Barbara Lawton Kirkpatrick; a brother, Gordon Lawton and wife Johnnie; four sisters, Etrulia Counts, Ione Cook, Johnnye King and husband David, and Essie Madden; a grandson, John Kirkpatrick, Jr. and wife Shannon, and three great-grandchildren, Jordon, Kade, and Hannah Grace Kirkpatrick. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Franklin and W.C. “Dub” Lawton, and a sister, Mary Stowers. 

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday at Pruitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Powell officiating. Burial will follow in Eastview Cemetry.

 The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 Noon, Saturday at Pruitt Funeral Home, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Chiquola Baptist Church Building Fund, 405 E. Greer St., Honea Path, SC 29654. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com