Robert Douglas Lawhon

Robert D. Lawhon, age 84, known to family and friends as Bob, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at South Central Regional Medical Center following an unexpected illness. Bob was born on August 12, 1941, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was raised in Laurel, where he graduated from George S. Gardiner High School with the Class of 1959. He went on to attend Mississippi State University, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bob was a lifelong member of First Methodist Church of Laurel. He was a member of the Laurel Jaycees and the Laurel Rotary Club. His dedication to Rotary was especially remarkable, as he achieved over 51 years of perfect attendance, reflecting the loyalty and dependability that defined his life. For more than five decades, Bob was a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter with SouthGroup Insurance Services, formerly Graves, Lindsey, McClaurin and Jones. His integrity and professionalism earned him the respect of both clients and colleagues. He shared more than 60 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Mary Margaret Lindsey Lawhon. They enjoyed traveling the world together, making memories in Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Alaska, and Hawaii. They especially cherished family vacations spent with their children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a dependable friend, and a man whose life reflected faith, integrity, and service. His example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him. Bob loved the outdoors, reading, and Atlanta Braves baseball. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter and took great pride in being a Mississippi State Champion Skeet Shooter. In his younger years, he also enjoyed many hours on the tennis court with his close-knit weekly tennis group. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Margaret Lawhon; his parents, Fred D. and Madge Lawhon; his sister, Dr. Nancy Lawhon; and his nephew, Christopher Pride. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Lawhon Strode (Dale) of Bulls Gap, TN; his son, Rob Lawhon (Angie) of Seminary, MS; his grandchildren, Payton Lawhon, Russell Strode, Luke Lawhon, Abby Stringer, and Annalee Stringer; his sister-in-law, Robbie Troyka (Jeff) of Laurel; his half-siblings, Gary Sarver (Donna) of Brandon, MS, and Sheila Flowers (Mickey) of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as many extended family members, lifelong friends, and colleagues. Pallbearers will be Payton Lawhon, Russell Strode, Luke Lawhon, Dale Strode, and Jonathan Troyka. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. A graveside service will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Park Cemetery. Brother Daniel Hathorne will officiate. The family is grateful for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of sympathy shown during this difficult time. To view or sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Robert Douglas Lawhon

August 12, 1941 - July 28, 2026