William George Lawson

William George Lawson, affectionately known as Bill by his family and friends, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the age of 81, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Bill was born on October 21, 1944, in Seattle, Washington, to George and Florence Lawson. He graduated from high school in Tacoma in 1963 and, shortly thereafter, answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Although his military service was cut short due to a medical discharge, his willingness to serve reflected the quiet strength and dedication that would characterize his entire life.On February 12, 1972, Bill married the love of his life, Judy Lawson, in Tacoma, Washington. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion. Bill found great joy in caring for Judy, always making it his priority to provide for her and ensure she was well cared for. Whether through life's ordinary moments or their many adventures together, his love for her was evident in everything he did.

Bill dedicated more than four decades to the heavy-duty truck industry, a profession perfectly suited to his remarkable mechanical mind. He began his career with Wittenberg Motor Company, where he worked as a Heavy Duty Truck Mechanic from 1965 to 1977. In 1972, he also began working for International Harvester Truck Dealership, where he remained until his retirement in 2009. During his years there, Bill served as the Night Supervisor, earning the respect of coworkers through his knowledge, leadership, and tireless work ethic.

To those who knew him, Bill was a man of few words, preferring quiet confidence over attention. He was incredibly intelligent, especially when it came to mechanics, possessing a gift for understanding how things worked and how to make them better. He was strong, dependable, kind, and honest—a truly good man whose character spoke louder than words ever could.

Outside of work, Bill's greatest passion was restoring classic automobiles. He didn't simply restore old cars—he often built them from the ground up with painstaking precision and craftsmanship. Among his proudest accomplishments were his beautifully restored 1965 Corvette and 1965 Mustang, projects that reflected both his extraordinary skill and his unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Bill and Judy shared this passion together, spending countless hours attending car shows across the region. Judy was his greatest supporter, often helping him paint vehicles and proudly standing beside him as they displayed his work. Together they made cherished memories doing what they both loved. Over the years, Bill's exceptional craftsmanship earned him more than 100 trophies in car show competitions—a testament to his talent, dedication, and eye for detail.

When they weren't in the garage or at a car show, Bill and Judy enjoyed traveling together, creating treasured memories through the years. No matter where life took them, Bill's greatest happiness came from simply being with Judy and caring for the woman he loved so deeply. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Florence Lawson, and by his sister, who passed away in 2024. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Judy Lawson, along with many extended family members and acquaintances who will remember him for his quiet strength, generous heart, steadfast reliability, and remarkable talent. 

Though Bill was never one to seek recognition, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the beautiful automobiles he created, and the example he set through a life of hard work, humility, and faithful love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.