William T. (Gus) Lawson, Jr.

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 W. Washington Avenue
Jonesboro, AR  72401
Saturday, October 28, 2017
10:00 am
Service Schedule
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 W. Washington Avenue
Jonesboro, AR  72401
Saturday, October 28, 2017
11:00 am
I served in the Navy.
William T. (Gus) Lawson, Jr.I am a Veteran.

of Jacksonville, TX

June 10, 1958 - October 13, 2017

William T. (Gus) Lawson Jr., 59, of Jacksonville, TX., passed away Friday, October 13, 2017 at the East Texas Medical Center. He was born June 10, 1958 in Memphis, TN. to William T. and Bobbie (Hitt) Lawson. Gus was a member of the Jonesboro High School graduating class of 1976. He was in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA. Gus was a private pilot and loved NFL and college football.

Preceded in death by, his parents; William T. and Bobbie (Hitt) Lawson of Jonesboro, AR. and his Grandparents; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Lawson of Jonesboro, AR., and Mr. and Mrs. James D. Hitt of Rena Lara, MS.

Survivors include, daughters; Lindsey Taylor Sartori of McAllen, TX., Lauren Lee Obermiller of Memphis, TN., grandchildren; Dagan Garrett and Jonah Garrett, brother James D. (Jim) Lawson of Olive Branch, MS., sisters; Rosemary Lawson Furniss of West Plains, MO., and Becky Williams of Greenville, NC., niece; Candace Furniss, nephew; Matthew Lawson Furniss of West Plaines, MO.

A memorial service will be Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 11:00 am at Roller Farmers Union Funeral Home, with Bro. Tommy Herndon officiating.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service.

There will be a friends and family fellowship at the Western Sizzlin, 2405 E. Highland Dr., immediately following the service.

Burial will be private.

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9 Condolence(s)
Dan Johnson
Salem, VA
Liked
Thursday, August 31, 2023

Hello to you all, I do hope this note finds you first of all, and then finds you as well as can be.
I’ve been trying to reach Gus for years, and I just wasn’t doing the right search, and today I found him. It is through teary eyes that I write you this.
I was in the Navy with Gus, Boot Camp, specifically, NTC, San Diego, Company, 287. Gus was one of our platoon leaders, and our graduation day. When we marched, Gus led our 80 man company in Parade formation, and I was directly behind him carrying our company’s flag, which they called the “guide on”—-I was chosen to be the guide on bearer, which is a position of honor. We marched around the stadium in perfect unison and formation as Gus barked out the cadence.
We were saluted or applauded by everybody there in attendance. All of the officers at the naval training center, all of the company commanders, all of the family and friends of those of us graduating there on the special day in San Diego.
Our first Thanksgiving, we had a break in Boot Camp and I took him home to my mom and dad‘s house in Woodland Hills, California, which is A suburb of Los Angeles, which is where I grew up. He was going to spend Thanksgiving alone, and I wanted him to be with my family and spend Thanksgiving with us. My mom and dad loved him immediately. I have a picture of him in my mind, kicked back, sitting in my dad‘s recliner, smiling as we watched football. it was truly a great time.
I wound up being stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and I think Gus stayed in San Diego, though I’m not sure. We fell out of touch and I’m sorry we did. He was a special kid, and we were very close. Do you know how you have that connection and it just feels like you’ve known each other forever?
In my search, I’m almost sorry that I found this, because this is not what I wanted to find. Alas, I am 63 years old now not 17, as I was when Gus and I knew each other. And this is, I suppose, what happens at this age.
I know Gus was two years older than me, but in 2017, he was only 59. That is very young indeed.
Can someone please write me or call me just to let me know you got this?
I’m going to leave you my phone number, it’s got a Los Angeles area code but we, that is my wife and I, have retired and moved to Virginia. Here it is:

Dan Johnson
(818) 689.4922

Through temporary, crestfallen spirit, tears, and joyous remembrance of Gus, and sympathy for all of you for your tremendous loss, I extend my love and prayers.

In gratitude I am yours,

Dan Johnson
Salem, Virginia

Valerie Patton. “Joplin”
Zephyrhills, FL
Liked
Sunday, October 22, 2017

When I saw this shared by Pat on FB, my heart
was so heavy. Gus was an awesome Guy!!
We all had a blast together and touched so
many lives with the sweet and caring heart. His laugh was infectious! One day we all will hear it again..
Prayers and strength to all his family and to all his friends.

🙏🏼💕🙏🏼

Roxie Hitt
Colorado Springs, CO
Liked
Friday, October 20, 2017

Gus, "I Can Only Imagine" how glorious it is for you now with Jesus,
your parents and your Uncle Sonny. I will always remember your fabulous smile!
Love always, Aunt Roxie Hitt

Lorrie brady evans
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Friday, October 20, 2017

Gus was the sweetest guy . He had such a great outlook on life. He will always be remembered. I am praying for his family.

Freddie Ann (Walton) Miller
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

I went to school with Gus. He was a nice and outgoing person. My prayers go out to the family.

Rose Layne Hardin
Jonesboro, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

I am so saddened at the passing of Gus. My sympathy to all of his family. Gus was one of those people that when he smiled you felt happy. It was so infectious. No matter his faults you could not help but love him. I have not seen him in many years but just knowing he is gone will leave a hole in my heart. Rest in peace Gus. I will miss you.

Larry L. Furniss
Rollla, MO
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

Sincere condolences to Lindsey Satori, Lauren Obermiller, along with Gus' sister, brother, nephews, nieces, & friends. I sure Gus would say: "A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me, Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life i lived while i was strong. God Bless you "Gus" !!



Cindy Furniss Allen
Clarksdale, MS
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

He was always so sweet to everyone. Had the best personality and was always so much fun to be around. So thankful I was able to know him as a kid and teenager growing up in Rena Lara. Enjoyed the times he came today visit his grandparents. Always loved that smile! Praying for all of his family in this difficult time. May God surround you with His peace and comfort. Much love to each of you.

John Stillwell
Cameron, TX
Liked
Thursday, October 19, 2017

Knew Gus very well in High School. So sorry for your loss.