Dennis Michael Lawson
On August 27th, 2026, the world said goodbye to a man who was larger than life. Dennis Michael Lawson, 69, left this earth surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy built on strength, loyalty, hard work, and an unwavering love for those he called his own.
Dennis was born on December 11, 1956. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning a career as an electrician. But long before or after any job title, Dennis was a cowboy at heart. He loved team roping, wranglers, and a good rodeo. He carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who didn’t have to prove who he was. Around town, everyone knew Dennis Lawson. He was respected, admired, and, if we’re being honest, just a little feared. Not because he was cruel, but because he stood for what was right, and protected the people he loved.
Behind that tough exterior was a man whose greatest accomplishments could never be measured by a paycheck or a trophy. They were measured in the family he loved with his whole heart.
Dennis shared a love story with his wife, Sherry, that carried them through life’s greatest joys and its hardest battles. In his final years, when COPD slowly took away so much of his independence, Sherry became his hands, his feet, his strength, and his constant companion. She cared for him every hour of every day with extraordinary patience, tenderness, and selfless devotion. Their marriage was a beautiful example of the promise to love one another “in sickness and in health,” and her love allowed Dennis to spend his final years surrounded by the comfort and dignity of home.
Dennis was a proud father to his daughter, Staci, who remained the light of his life from the day she was born. Being the father of his little girl was one of his greatest joys. He also lovingly raised his son, Jake, from the time he was four years old, proving that fatherhood isn’t defined by biology but by showing up, loving without limits, and never leaving.
His favorite title, however, was “Paw Paw.”
He made memories that his grandsons will carry with them forever—playing guitar together, building LEGO creations that covered the floor, battling Transformers, watching crime shows, and wrestling until everyone was laughing too hard to keep going. To anyone else, those may have seemed like ordinary afternoons. To his grandsons, they were some of the best days of their lives.
Dennis taught without giving lectures. He showed that your word matters, that hard work matters, that family comes first, and that real strength is found in loyalty, sacrifice, and love. The lessons he leaves behind will continue to live on in the children and grandchildren who were blessed to call him Dad and Grandpa.
He will be remembered for the way he walked into a room with quiet confidence, the way he loved fiercely, and the way he protected the people who meant everything to him. He leaves behind boots that cannot be filled, stories that will be told for generations, and a family who will miss him every single day.
Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that the cowboy has ridden home, the soldier has found his peace, and the man who spent a lifetime taking care of everyone else can finally rest.
Until we meet again, we love you, Daddy.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Charter Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Dennis will be laid to rest with military honors at the Alabama National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the VA Home Health Care Team and ExpectCare Hospice for the amazing support and assistance they provided during Dennis final days.
Dennis was a true friend. A good man. Gary and I were blessed to serve as his & his family’s pastor at two different churches over the years. I was fortunate to accompany him on the piano as he sang those southern gospel songs. He was a dedicated worker with his hands at the church and parsonage. Give him a job & he got it done never expecting or receiving any pay. Every time I look at the church parsonage I think of the long hours & days he spent remodeling both bathrooms & making one handicapped accessible for me. He never got an award or recognition for all the hard work he put in at many churches & in other people’s homes out of the goodness of his heart. But great will be his reward and his pay day in Heaven as he puts on a robe and crown. Rest and breathe for a little while Dennis. Then enjoy your brand new home built by the Father just for you. Final touch ups and your name inscribed on the door were completed yesterday. Always your friend Judy
oh my precious daddy….i will miss you forever
Prayers for yall. Dennis was a wonderful man.
Such a sweet god fearing man he will be missed
Dennis was an AMAZING man of God!! When we went to church with each other him & his beautiful family always sat behind me & my family and when I would turn around and see them there it made my day. I would always take my daughter back to see him & Sherry. He loved on her like she was his own grandchild. This really touched my heart. This world lost a TRUE MAN OF GOD!! He is in heaven with my parents rejoicing & praising God.
Brother Dennis was one of my Brothers in Christ when l moved my membership to Calera Church of God. Him and Sherry plus their family were always a joy. I have great memories of all he did and his love for all of us but mainly his version of “ON THE WINGS Of A DOVE.” You will be missed but you are home now!
Sherry you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband best
Friend and partner in life. I know you all are facing some challenging times trying to adjust to life with out Dennis.
Hold on to God and your family, you will definitely need each other. My heart hurts for your two grandsons and Jake as well. Please remember I’m here if you need someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, or simply need to
Scream to the top of your lungs, I’m ok with that as well.
I love you girl and I know what you’re facing still doing it myself. Please take all the time you need, don’t let others determine how you navigate the very difficult time.
With God you will get through it when you get there 💔
Sherry Hamrick Lawson you are loved ❤️
Sending my condolences and many big hugs to you Sherry. I didn’t know Dennis only thru our families. You’re in my prayers 🙏🏼Gods bless you and you’re family during this time
Love ,
Sandra Kaye
Dennis was a good man and a dear friend. He taught me a lot over the years. We worked together, played music together and spent many hours talking about our younger rowdy days. He will be missed greatly. He may be gone but not forgotten. I know he will be playing with the angel band.