Douglas Paul Lawson was born March 2, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia and passed away surrounded by his family on the morning of February 10, 2026, at the age of 90.

Doug was a graduate of O’Keefe High School, Class of 1953, Doug’s love of music was evident from a very early age. He began learning to play different instruments but soon discovered a true love and passion love for classical music and especially the French Horn. That passion and love led him to soon become a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra right out of High School, a role that reflected both his musical excellence and a deep appreciation for the arts.

Doug enjoyed a very distinguished career in both corporate and ministry settings. He was employed with Southern Airways and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta as the Supervisor of Printing for both organizations. His professionalism, leadership and integrity were the hallmark of his career.

Doug felt called into ministry very early on and his ministry journey began as Minister of Music at Loring Heights Baptist Church in Atlanta while still working at the bank where he served faithfully. His ministry continued to grow and flourish in the Southern Baptist Convention serving several churches throughout Georgia including First Baptist Church Lithia Springs, Second Baptist Church in Forest Park, GA, First Baptist Church Conley, First Baptist Church Cordele, Jefferson Street Baptist Church in Dublin and Swainsboro First Baptist Church and Clairmont Hills Baptist Church and eventually returning to First Baptist Church of Conley, later becoming known as Brushy Knob Baptist Church. Through his music and full-time ministry, Doug touched countless lives, extending compassion and encouragement far beyond church walls and into the broader community.

Doug was a devoted husband, married to the love of his life and beloved wife, Mary Evelyn Ross Lawson for 71 years and to whom he, throughout their life referred to as “Pudden”. Together they built a legacy of faith, love and family. He is survived by his children; Douglas Paul and Lorraine Lawson, Jr of Marietta, Vicki and Scott Kordys of Conyers, and Kevin Darren and Malissa Lawson of Flagler Beach, FL and his belove granddaughter, Meagan Whitny Lawson of Nashville, TN.

He is now reunited in heaven with his parents Glen and Vivian Lawson, his brothers, Mickey, Gordon, Russell and his sister, Candy.

Though his earthly ministry has ended, and he no longer walks by faith, but now by sight, the love he shared and lives he not only ministered to but changed will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services will be held at Brushy Knob Baptist Church on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 12N-1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to Brushy Knob Baptist Church 455 Gardner Road Stockbridge, GA 30281