Willie J. Lawson

Willie James Lawson, 79, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022. He was born on November 24, 1942 in Eatonton, Georgia to the union of Freddie James Lawson and Ellaree Burke Lawson. He was one of two children born into this union. Willie was raised by his grandmother Mamie Dennis. He attended Putnam County School. Willie later moved to Lake City, Florida with his aunt and graduated from High School. After graduation, Willie chased his dreams of making it to the "Big League” and tried out for a few teams. He eventually ended up moving to Cincinnati, Ohio where he began his career at General Motors and met his first wife, Sarah Crittenden. They were married on July 14, 1973; and to this union, they were blessed with a son, Tyran Jamal Lawson. Willie later met Joyce A. Scribbin in 1991. They were married on April 5, 2002. Willie gained two stepsons, who he loved like his own, Eric Boggan and Marc Scribbin. He shared his life with Joyce until her death in September 2018. Will was loved by everyone who ever met him, as he never met a stranger. He had a smile that would light up any room! Will had a fun-loving spirit and a great sense of humor. He was affectionately known as "Steel Bill" or just “Will” to those who loved him. Will was an avid and very knowledgeable sports fan. He could go on for hours talking about any sport, you name it, especially his favorite teams: The Reds and The Bengals. Will enjoyed attending their games as much as possible with family and friends or watching them on the television every chance he got. He loved his family with all his heart. Will showed that love by cooking and making his famous Sweet Potato Pies, as well as, telling stories about his past and the lessons he had learned. He always had words of wisdom and loved to share. Willie enjoyed driving on family trips to visit his family. He enjoyed spending his free time with his love, Barbara, who he affectionately called, “Bobbie.” They would always be on the go, whether it was going to social events, church lunch or dinners with family and friends. Willie was a great husband, father, and grandfather. Willie peacefully transitioned from this earthly world at University Hospital after being surrounded by his loving and supportive family. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: son, Tyran Lawson (Jovita); step-sons, Eric Boggan (Tonnie) and Marc Scribbin (Lisa); grandchildren whom he adored: Asante', Isaiah, Seth, Zyon, Li'Drieon, Monet and Macyci all of Cincinnati, Ohio; sisters: Carolyn Jones, Min Alonzeda Phillips (Eugene), Gayle Banks, Vonnie "Sue" Waller, Janice Abrams (David), Lisa Little, and Bernita Spencer (Jeffrey); brother, Rodney Lawson (Felice); sister-in-law, Terri Williams (Toni); and a host of other relatives: aunts, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. His very devoted loving friend and the last love of his life, Barbara Simmons. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah Lawson; second wife, Joyce A. Lawson; parents, Freddie J. Lawson and Ellaree Burke Lawson; stepmother, Frances S. Lawson; and brother, Freddie J. Lawson, Jr. Willie will forever be loved and missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with service to follow at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, 7717 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231. Interment: Spring Grove Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the caring hands of KINLEY Funeral Home & Arrangement Center.