Russell Eugene Lawson, 82, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.  Born in Rutherford County, he was the son of A.J. and Leona Knight Lawson.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers and eight sisters.  Russell retired from Celanese.  He served his country honorably in the Korean War with the U.S. Army.  He was an avid hunter.  Russell was a “shade tree” mechanic and loved stock car racing.

Russell is survived by his sons, Russell Eugene Lawson, Jr. and wife Jo Ann of Shelby, Richard Dennis Lawson of Walnut Cove, NC, and Kenneth Wayne Lawson of St Augustine, FL; daughter Lynn McSwain and husband Ted of Lawndale; grandchildren, David Lawson and wife Christine; Kelly Roberts and husband James, Travis Lawson and wife LeeAnn, Michael McSwain and Jimmy McSwain; three great grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at the Chapel of Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory.  A gathering of friends will follow the service.  Burial will be private at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to the Cleveland County Humane Society, 1609 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Lawson.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com