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Lawson Ryan McGregor
7/31/1999 – 4/22/2021
Lawson was the third child and only son to Mary Lou and Larry McGregor. He was a big, happy baby who loved to bear hug and give wet kisses to his sisters Laura and Lauren. As a little boy he loved his many pets, playing outside, watching his favorite cartoon Caillou, and anything Star Wars! Lawson started playing sports at a young age and was exceptional in all his positions. He had a deep love for baseball, and it was always an exciting day at the field when he was playing. As a sophomore at Jordan High School, he was voted Best 1st Baseman in the region by all the coaches. It was a true honor. How beautiful he was to watch, with his 6-foot 6-inch body, stretching out to make the catch on 1st base. He had good grades in school, participated in the gifted program, and placed second in a Skills USA regional competition, all while being the class clown. Lawson graduated from Woodland High School in 2017.
People called him Big Law Dawg and, if you ever met him, you probably would not forget him. He made an impression wherever he went, to say the least. He was big, loud, passionate, intelligent, defiant, bossy, fearless, over the top, and reckless, as well as being a loyal friend and a talented songwriter and rapper. Lawson had an intense and incredibly funny personality. He is remembered for his huge smile, and how he saw the good in people. Lawson had the biggest heart. He was deeply loved by his family and his friends.
So we are left with the question: why did Lawson intentionally take his life peacefully on a Wednesday night? He struggled with immense grief over losing so many friends in the last five years. Lawson was brokenhearted after losing his father in 2017 and the circumstances surrounding it. He had crippling physical pain after his left ankle was shattered in August of 2019. His ankle became severely infected with a Staph infection, and he lived with that dreadful condition for over a year. He had several operations and would need more to see if his foot’s mobility could be saved. This news was devastating to an athlete. Lawson was able to hold down some secular work, but during his last job his shoulder came out of socket and was therefore facing an operation for that as well. The thought of being confined in a hospital was overwhelming for him, especially during a pandemic. He did not always make the best choices and found himself in legal troubles. Lawson had some real, lifelong friends, but he also associated with some dangerous contacts. He wanted more out of his personal growth and development, but he could not break free. Often he would say: “Ma, I got this”, but on his last day he said: “Ma, I ain’t got this, it’s got me”. Lawson was brokenhearted, in constant pain, dealing with financial struggles, dependency issues, growing mental illness, fearing for his life and complete exhaustion. Not everyone knew that Lawson was autistic and his brilliant, firmly decisive brain saw only one answer. In his words, he ‘did not sack out, but he controlled the fall to be as kind as he could to his family’.
Lawson’s last day started with intention. He called his mom early in the morning asking to spend time with her. That day together was a beautiful gift. He shared, as he had before on several occasions, that he did not want to live anymore. There were tears and long prayers, sharing of favorite foods and music curled up by the fireside, cuddle time with Roscoe and long hugs, as well as time spent laughing and reminiscing on old stories. There was not one argument, loud word or correction given the whole day, which was very unusual. Lawson gave instructions what to do if something were to happen to him. The day ended with a kiss on the forehead goodnight and the words: ‘Let’s talk tomorrow’. He sent texts to some, leaving a gentle goodbye. He wrote his mom the most loving and tender goodbye note. He did not wake up on Thursday. Of great comfort is the thought found in Ecclesiastes 7:1 where it shows what matters to God is not who we are when we are born, but who we are when we die. Lawson’s note made his faith clear by stating his hope of a resurrection through Jesus’ promise. The last sentence read: “I’ll see you soon and I’m so thankful Jehovah blessed me with you as my mother”. His last day was lived in complete truth and pure love. Lawson believed he would go to sleep in death, be conscious of nothing and be resurrected into a new earthly paradise. (Ecc. 9:5,6; Psalm 37:10,11).
We will have a Gathering of Love for Lawson on Sunday, July 18th at Cooper Creek Park in Pavilion #6 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. All are welcome. It will be COVID kind, mask friendly with social distancing respected. Due to the pandemic, those who want to drive through to show their respect will be greeted by the family from 4:00-4:30. From 4:30 to 5:00, we will have face-to-face visitation for those who wish to see the family. At 5:00 pm, we will gather under the pavilion to speak about Lawson’s life and share welcomed stories. There are several picnic tables, and you are also welcome to bring folding chairs. We look very forward to gathering with you at one of his favorite outdoor places and welcome the closure it will bring.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory below.
Beverly Camilletti says
Dear Mary Loe I just wanted to let you know I’m so sorry your having to deal with the lost of your son but it obvious that you surely was close to him and it must have felt good when your son said to you that he was glad Jehovah gave you as his mother. We love you and support you during these rough times. Rest assured Jehovah will give you comfort. Agape love Beverly
Pearl Jacobs says
Very handsome son .. I love you very much Mary Lou .. My heart feels the pain of your heart .. Your loss will be given back to you, by our incredible Magnificent God, Jehovah … We look forward to this wonderful day, just ahead ..💓🤗
Christopher Hicks says
#LLBL He will forever be my little brother Slim Trouble will never be forgotten but will definitely always be missed by any and everyone he has come in contact with.$ Forever love you Bro
Rhonda Stathums says
That was so beautiful. So many of us look forward to seeing our loved ones again. Lawson was a cutie for sure. Hopefully in the new world I can get to know him better. The world likes to get us all down there have been times when I wanted to give up. I love you and I can not imagine what it’s like to lose your baby. I know you have to go on. You and other sisters and brothers set fine examples of pressing forward. Relying on Jehovah every minute if every day. Love you bunches
Jakob Hunsinger says
Long Live Big Law. It’s still hard for me to come to terms with this and even harder for me to express my feelings with words. My brother is no longer in any pain and that brings me joy, I just wish that pain was gone through other means. My condolences to his family. Love you brother. #LLBL
Anjela Jacobs Litle says
My sweet friend-
No words can express the pain that you are going through and I pray that Jehovah will give you the strength to face the coming days ahead without your sweet son.
May all of the beautiful memories with Lawson help you make it through the tough days and make you smile a little.
Just a little while longer and we will get to witness the most amazing things ever and seeing him again, thanks to our wonderful creator. I love you sister!
Alicia Day says
Lou, you know how much I love your family. You know how I feel about you and Lawson. You know I’m always here for you and I know you’re always there for me. My heart aches for your pain and yet I’m astounded by your strength. We are here for you my dear sister, my friend, my family. Jehovah certainly is grasping your right hand and will help you endure. You are not alone, you have an abundance of support from all who love you and surely from our merciful Heavenly Father. Lawson is in the safest place he can be, and he knew that too. Now we all await the glorious reunions that lie just around the corner. Love you always
Emmanuel James says
Haven’t seen you in years kid. Breaks my heart that you left so soon man. I still remember when we met. Just an energetic soul who always was laughing.
Gonna miss you big dawg. Rest Easy.
Cheryl J. says
Mary, Lou, Thank you for sharing your sorry, many of us look forward to seeing our love ones.
I can not imagine what it’s like to lose a child, but I do know that Jehovah knows what you are going through, so continue to stay close to him every day. Love you my sister.
Berkley Taylor says
I was really close to Lawson he text me that night I miss him everyday he was my best friend and I was his we spent about everyday together he had such a good heart for everybody, he is watching over us
Doty says
You Know Reading This Brought sum Tears to my eyes, because Law was on the same Thing I was on. Didn’t none of us want anything but to be in a position where we could give back and make our society Happy. It’s like we were Neighborhood Heroes. Growing up I always saw something in Law that made him a bigger brother figure to me. The way he treated people, stood up when he seen someone was in the wrong, how smart he was and the things he knew about life were just different. I’ve lost a Few close friends, more than I would’ve thought but when I look back and think about it. You moms were never wrong about our friends when it came down to it. You know when I got myself into a little situation and was gone for a while, I Had a little “sanctuary” with everything I had of lawsons set up in my room. I came home and wasnt everything how I left it. I thought maybe someone didn’t pay attention and cleaned it up thinking it was old stuff. You know me n my father are pretty tough, we don’t cry over much because being young and going through certain things showed us the rough side at a early age. But when I came home to this I cried my eyes out, i wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at that point. I sat and talked with my family barely being able to speak because of how devastated I was asking “where is this stuff, why would you do this, knowing how important that is to me”. I sooner found out that they had put it up for me to keep it safe which was a big relief, lol. You know I could sit here and talk all day long about how I feel in this situation but it’s not about me. We should be Praised on how blessed Lawson is to be in heaven right now with no suffering having the best life with his father and many more. To Be blessed we have the memories we’re able to have. I’ve always looked at Your Momma like she was my own and for That I will always make sure y’all are okay. If anybody needs to talk or needs anything period, don’t hesitate to call me. All Birds Flock Together, I Love all of y’all, XOXO
Jade goodwin says
Lawson loved everyone around him and was all around an amazing person to be around , it was never a dull moment with him. We love you Lawson and will never forget you .
Theresa Daniels says
Thank you for sharing. Lawson towered over most of us but you still felt comfortable. He greeted you with a beautiful smile and warm embrace.
He’s resting now, with no more pain.
Kelly Ray says
Mary Lou this is heartbreaking. I haven’t seen Lawson since he was a kid that came to our house to visit so full of life and energy. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Eddie Stipe says
Lou it’s broke my heart to hear this I love you and the girls and Pray that you and the girls will always be in Jesus love and care Man this is a lot to take in I loved him like I loved Larry I miss him every day he was truly my brother in Christ Jesus you guys will be in my prayers love you Eddie Stipe
Debra says
Sorry for your loss praying for the family
Debra says
Sorry for your lost praying for the family
Lisa Morris says
Lou- what a personal, heartfelt and beautiful tribute to Lawson . After reading this I feel like I really understand so much more about his life – his strengths and his struggles. It is certain that he loved big and lived large. Praying for God’s continued strength and peace and Comfort and that your many wonderful memories sustain you my friend. Love you ❤️
Arthur Leeper Jr says
Kathy and I are very sad at the loss of Lawson. I was looking at a picture of him and our grandson, Trenton Stewart, when they were at a regional convention in Columbus Georgia. Both good looking boys. May Jehovah’s promise of a pain free and sickness free new world bring you, Sister McGregor and your family comfort. This pain of death, which is especially painful for a mother, will also be removed when the memorial tombs give up those dead in them. Our kind God knows the mental and physical turmoils of all of us. We know he will act with compassion and love for those who have suffered so much in this world ruled by Satan. Relief is just around the corner.
With Love and tears,
Art and Kathy Leeper
Maryjane Wrenn says
Dear Marylou,
I am so sorry to have now read about Lawson. I can’t imagine your pain! Talking with Jen yesterday about u and she talked of how she use to babysit Lawson… it will be hard to pass on this news to her as she is mourning Rita’s passing this week. My prayers for you to have been able to have strength thru this. So sorry we weren’t there for you as a comforted friend. Please reach out to Jen and myself… we would love to hear from you. We all need a hug!
Lexi schuetze says
Dear Mary lou,
I’m so sorry for your loss. It broke my heart reading this today. I remember hanging out with Lawson and you when I was little and he always brightened my day, always kept a smile on his face and always got me to smile. If there’s anything you need or anything I can do, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you. Sending love and prayers <3