Kermit O'Neil Lawson

Kermit O'Neil Lawson, 86, a resident of Athens passed from this world at his home on Monday, January 14, 2013. Mr. Lawson graduated from Birchwood High School and attended the University of TN at Chattanooga and the University of Maryland. He served his country for 13 years in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Lawson's first love was his family, followed closely by his garden. He left a Garden of Eden anywhere he lived. He was a decent, faithful, honest Christian man, church supporter and member of Ladds Chapel Church of God in Guild, TN He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Jessie Cofer Lawson; both sons Richard Mitchell Lawson and James Phillip Lawson; both sons-in-law, David Scroggins and Steve Carden; siblings, N.L. Lawson, Hazel Burton Boyd, Pauline Moon, Raymond Lawson, Russell Lawson and Fronia Lawson. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 57 years, Ruby Wright Lawson. He loved to tell the story of how he told his buddies he would marry her the first time he saw her. Also left to grieve his passing are daughters, Portia Lawson, D'Nice Carden; grandchildren: Kimberly Scroggins, Sarah Zimmerman and her husband Tom, Chris Cavalaris and his wife Jessica; his cherished great-grandchildren, Lily Marcum, Huck Zimmerman, Roan Zimmerman and Benjamin Cavalaris; only surviving sibling, Nora Lawson Newell and her husband Howard; also many nieces and nephews, several that considered him their father. He was also greatly loved and admired by his wife's entire extended family. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 in the chapel of Fike Funeral Home with the Reverend Mitch Corder and the Reverend Charles Kilgore officiating. Interment will follow in the Cofer Cemetery with Joel Robinson, Daniel Kachel III, Adam Kachel, Matthew Kachel, Jason Kilgore and Josh Kilgore serving as pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony. His family will receive friends from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the funeral home. The family suggests that you make a donation in Mr. Lawson's name to your favorite church or charity. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Lawson family guestbook at www.fikefh.com