Ellis Hugh Lawson, Jr. Obituary
Ellis Hugh Lawson, Jr., 76, of Westminster passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Ellis was born on October 3, 1947 in Charlottesville, Virginia to the late Ellis Hugh, Sr. and Velma (Shifflett) Lawson. He was the cherished husband of Linda G. Lawson, whom he married on June 19, 1971. They had just celebrated 53 years of marriage.
Ellis is survived by his two children Brian E. Lawson and wife Heather, and Kathryn L. Lawson all of Westminster; sisters Glenda L. Morris of Waynesboro, VA, Patricia L. Morris of Crozet, VA, half-brother Steve Lawson of Harriston, Virginia and deceased half-brother, Mike Lawson, also of Harriston, Virginia, grandchildren Jacob and Emma Lawson; 5 nieces and nephews; and extended family.
Ellis graduated from Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, with the class of 1966. He was a seasoned athlete and member of the track, baseball, basketball and football teams. He attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, VA for one year, and graduated from Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA in 1971, where he met his wife, Linda. While at Bridgewater he was a linebacker and the punter for the football team. Notably during one season his punting average surpassed the Baltimore Colts’ kicker for that season.
In the early 1970’s, Ellis taught Physical Education at Jack Jouette Middle School in Charlottesville. Following a move to Westminster, he worked as an assistant football coach at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) then helped to build and shape the front nine holes of Wakefield Valley Golf Club in Westminster, which was owned by his father-in-law, Dr. Earl Griswold. According to Wakefield’s golf pro, Billy Horney, “ Ellis was a true competitor, a joy to be with, and the life of the party.”
Ellis spent the next 30 plus years working as a carpenter, building and re-modeling homes, including his own. He was happiest in his workshop. Ellis was fond of various woodworking projects such as building unique farmhouse style furniture for his family. He, at times, took measurements while on vacation to be able to build a specific style piece. He also crafted numerous birdhouses and cupolas as well as doing furniture repairs for friends and family.
Ellis was a member of Westminster United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club of Westminster. He had recently received the Legion of Honor Award from Kiwanis International acknowledging him for being a member for 45 years.
“E”, as many knew him, was an easy-going, hard-working man with a Southern accent who loved country music, especially the old-timers like George Jones and Willie Nelson. He loved to play golf, he loved his home and he loved his Maryland and Virginia families.
The family will welcome friends on Tuesday, July 23 for Visitation at 10:00a.m. at Westminster United Methodist Church, 165 E. Main St., Westminster. His service will begin at 11am, with Pastor Malcolm Stranathan officiating. Interment will be in Pipe Creek Cemetery following the service and a time of fellowship and refreshments.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, https://www.lbda.org.
Services and arrangements provided by Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com
https://www.prittsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Ellis-Hugh-Lawson-Jr?obId=32226046