Mr. Paul Mikel Lawson, Sr., 84, a resident of Gillsburg, Mississippi passed away at the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  Graveside services will be held at 2 P.M. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Gillsburg Baptist Church Cemetery.  Dr. Victor Walsh will officiate.  Hartman-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Lawson was born in Gillsburg on April 21, 1939 to Ed and Dalene Hughes Lawson.  He was a member of Gillsburg Baptist Church and a graduate of Southwest Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.  While at Southwest, he played basketball and was on the team that won the 1958-59 Junior College State Championship.  After graduating from USM, he returned to Gillsburg and hauled milk until his retirement.  Mr. Lawson spent his retirement years washing the trucks for Lawson Trucking because he took pride in having the cleanest trucks on the road.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Dalene Hughes Lawson; his wife, Judy Lawson; and his sisters: Sue White and Gwendolyn Bean.

Mr. Lawson is survived by two daughters:  Christy (Mel) Fortenberry of Magnolia, Mississippi and Kim Fortinberry of Gillsburg, Mississippi.  One son, Michael ( Amanda) Lawson of Gillsburg, Ms.  Seven grandchildren:  Austin Fortenberry; Autumn Fortenberry; Bryce Fortenberry; Luke Fortinberry; James Fortinberry; Leighton Lawson; and Lillian Lawson.  One brother Max (Kay) Lawson.  Sisters:  Burma ( Walter) Carpenter; Mildred (Ray) Miller; and Joan Lawson.  One sister-in-law, Georgia (Jimmie) Allen and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be:  Mel Fortenberry; Austin Fortenberry; Bryce Fortenberry; Luke Fortinberry; James Fortinberry; and Max Lawson, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gillsburg Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.