Mr. Willie Dave Lawson, III

United States Army Veteran, Mr. Willie Dave Lawson III, of 2103 Beachview Drive, Albany, Georgia, died Monday, August 3, 2026, at his residence.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia. The burial, with military honors, will follow at Westview Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. A mask must be worn throughout the stay. You must supply your own mask.

Willie Dave Lawson, III was born on Tuesday, July 15, 1947 in Cordele, Georgia, to the late Helen Doris Lawson and Willie Dave Lawson, II. He was affectionately called Dave by his friends and family and Papa by his grandsons.

Dave gave his life to Christ at an early age and was a member of Journey Church in Albany, Georgia.

Dave matriculated through the Crisp County school system. He was a proud member of the A. S. Clark High School Class of 1966 and remained an active part of his annual class reunion until he fell ill.

Upon graduation from high school, Dave faithfully served his country in the United States Army, including service during the Vietnam War. He served until he was honorably discharged.

After discharge from the military, he started working for the Pontiac Motor Division Assembly Plant in Pontiac, Michigan. He worked there until he relocated to Delco Remy in Albany, Georgia where he served as a supervising health and safety inspector until he retired in 1998.

On June 28, 1986, he married the love of his life, Mattie Lawson. For forty years they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Dave was a member of the American Legion Post 512, where he managed and coached baseball and later served as the organization's State Chair.

Retirement did not keep him still for long. He later joined Triad Isotopes, delivering medical supplies to area hospitals, continuing his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Dave was happiest when he was outdoors with a fishing reel in his hand, spending time at the bowling alley, enjoying a baseball game, or building something with his skilled hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Doris Lawson and Willie Dave Lawson, II, and his beloved siblings, Mary Erainie High, Helen Lawson, and Loraine McClendon.

Dave leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his devoted wife, Mattie Lawson; his children, LaFonda Middleton (Marshun), Michelle Lawson (Jewmark), Willie Dave Lawson, IV (Anita), and Latrice Lawson; his beloved grandchildren, Jemari Sanders, Cameron Middleton, Jordan Middleton, Ayden Lawson, and Jamari Lawson; his siblings, JoAnne (James) Purty, Laura Ann (Troy) Kirk, Betty Lawson, Benita Renay (Mack) Hardwick, Valerie Outlaw-Black, and Michael Lane; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, fellow veterans, treasured friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.