Bobby Lee Lawson, Sr.

Bobby Lee Lawson, Sr., 67, of Goldsboro, NC, passed away on June 6, 2025, at Duke University Medical Center. Born in Goldsboro on July 27th, 1957, Bob was the son of the late Annie Marie Holliday Lawson and Albert Lawson. He was a proud graduate of Southern Wayne High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, Bob attended Fayetteville State University, where he pledged Alpha Phi Omega. On October 4, 1978, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 20-year career. He served his country with honor, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant (E6), and retired with distinction on October 31, 1998. Immediately after retiring from the military, he embarked on another 20 year career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections.

Bob had a passion for working in his yard and took great pride in keeping it beautiful. A true jack of all trades, his motto was, “If you can read it, you can do it!” He had a deep love for technology and was always up-to-date with the latest gadgets and trends.

In his free time, Bob enjoyed playing ping pong and pool, and he never passed up an opportunity to travel or attend concerts and events with his family. He was a grill master who loved cooking out for friends and loved ones, always bringing people together over good food.

Movie nights with his family were among Bob’s favorite pastimes, along with cherished date nights with the love of his life, Shelia. His life was filled with laughter, love, and a deep joy for being with those he held close. Bob found tremendous joy and happiness in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, and his beloved great-grandson, Josiah.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Shelia Lawson. He leaves behind his beloved children that he loved and cherished: Alberto Powell, Kimyarda Lawson, and Bobby Lawson Jr., all of Goldsboro, NC, and Kihmari Lawson of Zebulon, NC. He was a proud grandfather to Malachi Franklin of Goldsboro, NC; Rhamaya and Rykirah Powell of Charlotte, NC; Hanna Powell of Raleigh, NC, and a cherished great-grandfather to Josiah Franklin of Goldsboro, NC.

He is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth Holliday of Goldsboro, NC; Jimmy (Betsy)Holliday,

Thomas Holliday and Charles Holliday all of Brooklyn, NY; sister in-law Laura Holliday of Mt. Olive, NC; his son-in-law, Dereck Dickens of Goldsboro, NC; Bob was deeply loved by his brothers-in-law Donnell (Iris) McCalop and Erik McCalop of Mt. Olive, NC, as well as Sharn (Tamika) McCalop of Goldsboro, NC. He also shared a close bond with his sisters-in-law Dana (Travis) Coley of Woodbridge, VA, and Phyllis Gray of Raleigh, NC. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends will remember him fondly and miss him dearly.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Andrea Boney-Dickens; his brothers, James Holliday, David Holliday (Annie Mae), Earl Stallings (Marie); sister Inez Royall; his mother, Annie Marie Holliday Lawson; and his father, Albert Lawson.

The family of Bobby Lee Lawson Sr. wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the love and support shown during this difficult time. Your kind words, prayers, and presence have been a great comfort to us. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends by our side. May God bless you all.

THE FAMILY OF BOBBY LEE LAWSON SR.