Lonnie G. Laws

Lonnie G. Laws, 97, of Johnson City passed away Thursday July 31, 2014, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. He was a World War II Veteran serving on the USS West Virginia in the South Pacific. His service to his country was followed by a lifetime of service to others. He was honored to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D. C. when he was 95 years old, a trip he said was the highlight of his life. He was born in Elk Park, NC in 1917 the son of the late James David & Sarah Elizabeth Owens Laws. He moved to Johnson City and retired from Eastman Kodak in 1979. He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Matherly Laws in 1978 and by his four brothers John Wheeler Laws, James Laws, Eddie Laws, Glen Laws, and three sisters Ruby Laws, Georgia Stout, and Myrtle Freeman He is survived by his sister Norma Lee McKinney. Lonnie is survived by his wife of 32 years Virginia Brock Laws. They found a second chance for happiness after both losing their spouses early in life and created a wonderful family life for their five daughters. He is survived by his daughter Dianne Laws Everhart and husband Carter and Virginias daughters Cecilia Brock Bulla, Beverly Brock Vaughn, Jenny Brock and husband Michael Ray and Melita Brock Warner and husband Terry, seven grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was a gift to the Brock family. He was a life-long member of Unaka Avenue Baptist Church where he was serving as a Deacon Emeritus. He was a man of faith and he served others who were in need. He was often seen in his little gray truck delivering 'meals on wheels' or working on projects for others. He always had a smile and was a gentle spirit. The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration ER, ICU, C-Ground and especially the CLC hospice unit for the wonderful care given to their loved one. The family of Lonnie G. Laws will receive friends from 1 to 2:30 PM Sunday, August 3, 2014, in the Unaka Avenue Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Jeff Alford officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Carter Everheart, Terry Warner, Michael Ray, Steven Bulla, Robbie Bulla, Donovan Sturgill and Logan Warner. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Honor Flight of North East Tennessee, P.O. Box 875, Mountain Home, TN 37684 or the Washington County Animal Shelter.