ARTHUR, Tenn. — Billy Lawson, 69, passed away Thursday, June 5, 2008, at his home.

He was born January 24, 1939, in Garmeda, the son of the late Arnold and Ruby Lawson. He believed in the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dallas Lawson; son, Willie Lawson; granddaughter, Heather Lawson Lule-Caballero; brother, Jack Lawson; and sisters, Vivian Collinsworth and Louise Gerdings.

He is survived by his sons, Wesley (Deloris) Lawson, and Kenny (Sandy) Lawson, both of Tazewell, Tenn.; daughters, Teresa Lawson and Janet Johnson of Tazewell, Tenn., Stephanie Bell of Middlesboro; six step-children, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Jerry (Johnetta) Lawson of Middlesboro, David (Linda) Lawson, J. R. (Juanita) Lawson, Kenneth (Jeanette) Lawson, Paul (Shirley) Lawson and Rick (Janice) Lawson all of Cumberland Gap, Tenn., and James (Carol) Lawson of Tazewell, Tenn.; sisters, Patty (Richard) McCameron, Cumberland Gap, Tenn. and Pauletta (Raymond) Patterson of Lebannon, Tenn.; aunt, Roxie Foley of St Louis, Mo.; real special friend, Peggy Irvin; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends, including the nurses and staff members of MARH and Claiborne County Hospital and family and friends.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Irving Gipson officiating.

Burial will be in Lawson Cemetery. Pallbearers are Kenny Lawson, Wesley Lawson, Steve Lawson, Arnold Gerdings, Burlin Cox, and Lucas Clawson. Honorary pallbearers are Kenny and Wesley Lawson.

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements by Shumate Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.shumatefuneralhome.com