Russell Gene Lawson

Russell Gene Lawson, 90, Wake Forest, North Carolina., formerly of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023.
Russell was born July 20th, 1932, in Sonora, Kentucky, the son of the late Hardin Emit Lawson and Alma Ellen (Price) Lawson.

Growing up in Sonora after losing his father at an early age, Russell and his two brothers worked to help support their mother and paternal grandmother. While at Sonora High School, Russell played on his high school basketball team.

Russell served his country in the United States Air Force from 1952 until 1960. Following his departure from the Air Force he and his wife moved to Louisville, Kentucky with their young son. While in Louisville he was the controller for Gordon Foods Potato Chip Company for 25 years. In 1987 they moved to North Carolina. While semi-retired he worked at North Carolina Paper Company in Clayton, North Carolina.

During his time spent in Louisville, Russell and Josephine (Jo) were members of Chapel Park Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and a Teen Boys Sunday School Teacher; then at Shively Baptist Church, they were very active working in the youth department, coached softball teams and chaperoned many choir tours and activities. After moving to Wake Forest, Russell and Josephine (Jo) joined Wake Crossroads Baptist church to continue their passion for serving their Lord and savior.

During his spare time Russell loved working in his garden, woodworking, camping with friends or spending time with his grandchildren watching their many sporting events, recitals or just playing!

Russell is preceded in death by his wife of (64 years), Josephine (Jo) G. (Brown) Lawson, and oldest granddaughter, Courtney Elise Odle. Along with his siblings, Virginia Ellen, Donald Ray, Kenneth Hardin and Dorothy Agnes.

Russell is survived by his children, Donald Gene Lawson (Tami) of Versailles, Kentucky, Carol Lawson Johnson (Phillip), of Wake Forest, North Carolina and Terrie Lawson Steele (Michael) of Clayton, North Carolina. Grandchildren, Rebekah Odle Ligon (Thomas), James Tyler Johnson, Emily Michele Lawson, Matthew Gene Lawson, Jessica Ellen Johnson, and Michaela Steele. Along with great grandchildren, Wyatt and Tamiya Ligon.

He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather by family, friends and all who knew him. The family will have a small family service at a later date.