Billy Dee Lawson

“Huntin’ and fishin’ and lovin’ every day. That’s the prayer this country boy prays.” (Luke Bryan)

Mr. Billy Dee Lawson, 69, of Winston-Salem, died unexpectedly Monday at Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Lawson was born July 28, 1957 in Forsyth County to Johnny David and Pat McRoberts Lawson. He was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his mother, Pat Lawson Willard, of Mt. Airy. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, David “Punk” and Donnie Lawson and is survived by a sister, Patty Jo Eaton (husband, John) of Mt. Airy. Mr. Lawson loved hunting, but his true passion was fishing, anywhere – anytime, especially at Belews Lake. As he would say, “Life is good at the lake.” He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Trisha Hawks Lawson, of the home and his son, Derek Dee Lawson, of Winston-Salem. He is also survived by a niece, Tiffany Eaton; a nephew, Christopher Hargett (wife, Rachel), a special great-nephew, Luke Hawks, and Luke’s mother, Kayla Albert. Luke is the son of Mr. Lawson’s nephew, Cory Hawks, who is deceased. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Janie Hargett (husband, Tony Tyndall) and a brother-in-law, Tony Hawks (wife, Kim). Too numerous to name, he is also survived by all of his fishing buddies and, especially, his “best bud”, Earl Potts. 

Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, August 14, 2026 at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown. Will Watson, pastor of United Baptist Church, will officiate. Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel is assisting the Lawson family.