John A. Lawson Jr.

John A. Lawson, Jr. (Jack) 83, of Rumford, RI, passed away on June 20, 2022, after battling numerous health issues for many years.  He grew up in Rumford where he resided at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley A. (Manchester) Lawson, his son, John A. Lawson III and his wife Jennifer, his daughter, Cynthia Whitaker and her husband Jason, and his granddaughter, Samantha.  He was preceded in death by his twin granddaughters, Hannah and Ashley Whitaker.

For 60 years, Jack has been a “traveling salesman,” selling supplies to dairy farmers in southern New England.  He loved his work and was even working by phone while in the hospital a few days before his passing.

He was an active member of the Warwick Church of Christ, serving in a leadership position.  It was his strong faith in God that enabled him to face his many medical issues and trials in a positive manner.

Jack was also a member of many fraternal organizations including the Grange, of which he was a member of the local (Roger Williams-Rumford Grange), county, state and national levels for 68 years.  He was currently serving as Chaplain of the R.I. State Grange.  He was a member for 57 years and past presiding officer of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge of East Providence, currently serving as Chaplain, and many other Masonic bodies. He was a member for 56 years of Martha Washington Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of Warren, serving currently as Worthy Patron as well as for many previous terms.  He was Past President of the R.I. Agricultural Council.

Jack was an incredible man who devoted his life to his family and serving others through his church, his work, and his membership in many organizations.  He truly made the world a better place for all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hope Congregational Church, 120 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI at 12 noon on Saturday, June 25, 2022 with calling hours on Friday, June 24, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside, RI, with a Grange service at 6:00 p.m. and a Masonic service at 7:00 pm.                       

 In order to protect our staff and the families we serve, masks will be required upon entering, visitation and during any services in our facility.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jules Hope Chest, 505 Waterman Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914   https://app.theauxilia.com/pay/johnlawsonjr or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 2346 Post Road #202, Warwick, RI 02886.  https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/?ds_rl=1278572&msclkid=d0228a7b0e31100d4902e8c80d1e1f6f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM_Bing_B_Desktop_MB_National_Conversion_MBR&utm_term=%2Bleukemia%20%2Blymphoma%20%2Bsociety&utm_content=National%20-%20LLS%20-%20Broad&gclid=d0228a7b0e31100d4902e8c80d1e1f6f&gclsrc=3p.ds#!/donation/checkout