Reverend Thomas Lawton the son of the late Mr. David Lawton and Estella Walker was born February 2, 1937 in Colleton County, South Carolina. Thomas started working at a young age of 10 in Padgett, South Carolina. He had a vision of owning his own business Lawton construction came into fold over the years. He was a foreman over many jobs local and abroad such as Mace construction and Frank Garcia.

In 1955 he resided in Jacksonville Fl. Then later joined Greater Bethany Church and also joined a prayer band. Thomas met the woman of his dreams also in Florida, Virginia Ann Lawton. They traveled the world with each other. Soon after he began his service to the Lord in 1975 he was ordained. He was an all round warrior who loved everyone and never hesitated to give a helping hand no matter whom or what the situation was. Thomas decided to move to Hendersonville S.C in 1988 it was here that he would continue his career as a foreman for Malone Inc and R&A Gant traveling. Working never did slow him down even with all that was going on Thomas & Virginia wanted more They made the decision to adopt and help other kids even though they were blessed with one son Thomas David Lawton they wanted more.

After returning back to Colleton County he reunited with Little Swamp Baptist Church which he loved dearly and worshiped until his health began to fail.

Thomas departed this life on Monday, July 25, 2016 at Colleton County Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Nathaniel Lawton, Jack Lawton (Geneva), Jim Lawton, Donald Lawton, Kenneth Lawton sister, Josie Lee (Johnny) Phillips and nephew, Andrew Lawton.

To forever cherish his memory His loving wife of 60 years, Virginia Lawton; eight children, Thomas Lawton (Maggie) Tony Lawton, Aaron Lawton, Deangelo Lawton, Jermaine Lawton, Antonio Lawton, Jermaine P. Lawton, Patricia Lawton; nine grandchildren, Ashley Lawton, Kristy Lawton, Blake Lawton, Alexus Lawton, Amaury Lawton, Khyla Drew, Jerimiah Lawton, Love Pinkins, Elijah Pinkins; two great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Catherine Lawton of Walterboro, Rosa Lee Lawton of Jacksonville, Mary Epps (Charles) and Julia Dixon (Willie) of Alabama favorite nieces and nephews Ella Bryant of Jacksonville, Donna Frasier (Herbert) of Walterboro, June Merriweather of Columbus, GA, Willard E. Wilson (Annie) of Islandton, SC, Paul Monroe (Gail) of NJ, favorite cousin, Linell Lolly (Jerry) of Walterboro, Godson, Dea. Rodney Gant (Alene), Goddaughter, Joyce Rhodes, Atlanta, GA. Godbrothers, Dea. William Scott (Janice), Richard Gethers of Ritter, SC, Godsisters, Annie Gant of Walterboro, SC, Selma Washington, of Jacksonville, Fl. A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.