James Ronald Lawson

James Ronald Lawson (Ron) passed away on December 6, 2024, after a long illness. A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 5th, at 2:30 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2310 Augusta St, Greenville, SC 29605.

Ron was born on April 18, 1940, to James and Maxine Lawson in Whitley City, Kentucky. He was married for 64 years to his high school sweetheart and wife Gretta (neé Phillips) of Revelo, Kentucky. Ron is survived by sons Jeffrey (Holly Rosson) and Jonathan (Elaine), and by grandchildren Brandon Lawson (Lauren), Abigail Vermilyea (Jim), Alexandria Lawson, and Zachary Lawson. He is also survived by sister Erma Osborne, niece Laura Greene (Todd), nephew Kris Bryant, great nephews Tucker Greene and Tate Green, and great niece Kamryn Bryant.

Ron graduated valedictorian from McCreary County High School in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1961. He also earned a Postbaccalaureate Certificate of Management Studies from Harvard University. He had a 55-year career in chemical and environmental engineering, providing senior-level consulting and project management. He worked and lived in Charleston WV, West Chester PA, Stone Mountain GA and Greenville SC. In retirement, he worked as an environmental consultant. He was a registered Professional Engineer in six states and served on the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. He was a Diplomate of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, served as an expert witness for a Georgia State Legislative Committee, and was a lecturer at the Georgia Tech Research Institute.

Ron was proud of his extensive involvement in community activities, including serving as an Elder at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain GA, President of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain GA, Stephen Ministry Leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville SC, and as a Member of the Board of the Southern Connector. Ron and Gretta both loved taking classes at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Furman University to expand their life experiences and knowledge. At Westminster, Ron organized and founded a hiking group and enjoyed many walks in the woods. 

Ron loved to tell stories, mostly centered around his adventures of running and hiking with his friends, especially the “Sumo Runners” from Stone Mountain. Favorite tales and adventures included hiking the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, summiting Mount Rainier, and running the Peachtree Road Race 20 times. He was a loyal member of the Upstate South Carolina UK Alumni Club and rarely missed a Big Blue Nation basketball watch party where he led the spirit cheers and was honored by a cardboard cutout of his likeness to cheer on the Cats when he could not be there. Ron and Gretta loved spending time with their grandkids, taking them to the zoo, the circus, play productions, the waterpark or sporting events anytime the kids could come to Greenville. A favorite family event for many years was the Freedom Weekend Aloft hot air balloon festival.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://wpc-online.org/events-registration/give-today/, or the Greenville Area Parkinson’s Society at https://www.gapsonline.org/support-us.