Ronnie Hobart Lawson

Ronnie Hobart Lawson, 56, passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, under hospice care after a battle with cancer.

He was born April 22, 1962, in Tazewell, County, Va., and lived in the Buchanan County, Va., area before moving to Abingdon 30 years ago. Ronnie enjoyed woodworking and was an avid hunter. He was a former coal miner and had also worked at Bristol Compressors.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Inez Rife; two sisters, Vickie Lawson and Linda Stacy.

Survivors include his wife, Jessica Lawson of the home; two sons, Ronnie Lawson and Brandon Lawson both of Caldwell, Ohio; three grandchildren, Katlin Beth Lawson, Chelsey Hope Lawson and Austin Roy Lawson; his father, Estil Rife of Shortt Gap, Va.; two brothers, Clyde Lawson (Penny) of Pax, WV, Todd Rife (Norma) of Whitewood, Va.; three sisters, Brenda Stacy of Haysi, Va., Rose Ayers (Robert) of Beckley, WV and Dreama Hale (Harold) of Shortt Gap, Va.; sister-in-law, Gloria King of Abingdon; his best friend whom he considered as a brother, James Rife; his dog who was his pride and joy, Zoey; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, Tenn. 38105.