SHELBY- Henry Paul Lawton Jr., 78, departed from his earthly life on Oct. 31, 2026 to be with our heavenly father. Born August 16, 1948 in Sylvester, GA to the late Henry Paul Lawton and Mary Lee Thomas Lawton.

Henry was employed at Shelby Dyeing and Finishing for many years until he retired. He loved spending time with his family, he enjoyed cooking out and cooking for the holidays.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Martha Lawton, six sisters Gloria Jordan, Sarah Jackson, Annette Thornton (Charle James), Maryland Richardson, Brenda Moye, and Diane Lawton (George). Two brothers Hozell Terry and Milton Lawton.

Henry leaves to cherish his memories three sons, Henry Paul Lawton III, Cedric Lawton (Latoya), and Tomarris Lawton. Four Daughters Angela Jarrett (Lance), Doris Hopper (Rodney), Tonya Early (Donnie), April Potlow (Lee). Two grandchildren that he raised as his own, Martishada Walker and Markwaun Lawton. Six brothers, Billy Joe Lawton, Kenny Lawton, Earnest Lawton, Melvin Lawton (Della), Denwood Lawton, and Marvin Moye (Mary). Three sisters, Sylvia Lawton, Chris Lawton, and Veronica Martin (Major). He was loved by 22 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 3:00PM at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev. Lance Jarrett and Rev. Jamaal Edwards presiding. Quiet hour to begin at 2:00PM.

Aquamation services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com