William H. Lawson, racer chaser
William H. “Bill” Lawson of Georgetown passed away Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024.
He graduated from Georgetown High School Class of 1960 and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force that September. After basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, he was stationed at Chanute AFB in Illinois for mechanic training. He was initially stationed on the flight line at Andrews AFB in Maryland until transferred to Okinawa with duty in Vietnam.
Bill retired from the Indian River Plant of Delmarva Power after 29 years of service. During those years, he was active in community sports, refereeing high school wrestling, umpiring many levels of Little League beginning in Georgetown, coaching softball for Sussex Central High School, and of course, an avid stock car racing devotee. Bill’s knowledge of racing began as a young boy. He grew to become a pit crew member for Junior Johnson on the NASCAR circuit. He was the colorful “One Leg Over” flagman at Georgetown, Delmar, and Blackbird speedways in Delaware. He traveled the East Coast with many local teams and loved every minute! Another great joy was the annual Lighthouse Locals NASCAR Fantasy League, taking first place in 2017, 2019 and 2024.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, Kris “Opie” Lawson, who passed away in 2018.
Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; son Kirk (Mary); daughters, Robin Esham and Amber (Scott) Welch; daughter-in-law, Amanda Lawson (Tom Enger); and grandsons, Tyler Welch, Robby Lawson and Broady Enger. His son, Kris “Opie” Lawson, passed away in 2018.
Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown.
Final services and burial will be private at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.
Bill requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Georgetown EMS Station 93, 406 N. Front St., Georgetown, DE 19947.
