Gary O'Neal Lawson
Nov 13, 1947—Sept 6, 2022

Gary O'Neal Lawson (age 74) died on September 6, 2022, after a five-month struggle with Glioblastoma, a formidable foe. When he awakened from the operation removing the brain tumor, he said he was so happy to be alive and he was so thankful for the support of his wife, Melissa, and his daughter, Sabrina, who had been there throughout the ordeal. During his two-month hospitalization, his buoyant personality and mischievousness were manifested in the jokes he told the family and the nurses. The family feels immense gratitude that they were granted an additional five months of his presence on earth and that his valiant fight ended quietly as he slipped away. He is greatly loved and will be missed by all.

Most people in Hillsville know that Gary was the "G" in the former BG's Restaurant operating on E. Stuart Dr. for many years. After that endeavor, he established Gary's Backhoe Service on Floyd Pike in Hillsville, VA, and he operated the business for 27 years. He had a mindset of purpose, determination, and tenacity, and he was dedicated to his customers and their needs.

Gary had a gift for remembering phone numbers that was born of necessity because of his distaste for entering a number and later trying to find it in his phone when he wanted to call. It was simply easier for his brain to recall it. Jokes were filed nearby the phone numbers. Almost every conversation would end with his play on words or his remembering something sidesplitting. He was quick-witted and loved comradery, conversation, and laughter.

Gary served in the Marines and was a Marine to the core! He was patriotic; he loved freedom, he loved the USA, and he loved the flag.

Gary was a good man, a thinking man . . . solid, steady, dependable, loving, and caring. Now this is his family's opinion. If you disagree. . .well, we think you just did not get to know Gary.

Gary is survived by his wife of 23 years, Melissa Leigh Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Emma Lawson and by one brother, Robert David (R.D.) Lawson. He is survived by a sister, Wilma Clay of Virginia Beach, by two daughters, Sabrina Kaye Vaughn (husband, Lonnie) of Austinville and Chastity Renee (C.R.) Dalton Lawson of Hillsville, by his grandsons, Justin and Josh Vaughn of Austinville, and by his granddaughter, Alexis (Lexi) Bowen of Hillsville.

Gary dedicated his heart to God and loved attending Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Blue Ridge Home Health, especially Tammy and Karen, Christine with Senior Home Share, and Mountain Valley Hospice.

Visitation will be at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Saturday, September 10 from 5 to 7 PM. The funeral Service will be at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel on Sunday, Sept 11 at 1 PM. A graveside Service with military rites will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery in Bland, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 4594 Snake Creek Rd. Hillsville, VA 24343.

Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Lawson.