Obituary of Col. Lawson Paul Wynne

Retired Colonel Lawson Paul Wynne, (93), died July 30, 2013 at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill. Lawson was born May 9th, 1920, in Gibsonville, NC. The son of Alexander Paul Wynne and Callie Whitesell, and raised by his beloved aunts, Virgina Peterson Wynne and Nellie Lee Wynne. Lawson attended Elon University, graduated from Officer's Candidate School of the USAF, and the University of Maryland. His career in the United States Air Force spanned over 30 years with various assignments serving in may countries. He and his late wife, Leone, had a unique ability to embrace the people and cultures forming life-long friendships. Upon his retirement he moved to Chapel Hill, NC where he was a resident for 40 years. He poured himself into a short career in real estate, but ultimately found his time was best spent on the greens of Finley Golf Course. He also volunteered with the local VFW 9100 and Gideons International, finding great satisfaction participating in both of these wonderful organizations. He attended Chapel Hill Bible Church from its inception until his health prohibited him from regular worship in his final years. Lawson was preceeded in death by the love of his life and wife of over 50 years, Janie Leone Wynne. He is survived by his two daughters, Wendy Wynne Jackson and husband Michael and Penny Wynne Whitener and husband Tim. Also survived by his six grandchildren, Cassie Jackson Yarborough, Rebecca Whitener Riddle, Sina Jackson Guffey, Mary Beth Whitener Joseph, Timothy Jason Whitener and Katie Whitener Beach, their spouses and eleven great-grandchildren. From his humble beginnings in Gibsonville, NC to an illustrious military career, earning many letters of commendation and medals, he remained true to his three greatest passions, his faith in Jesus Christ, his great dedication and love of family and his unquestionable devotion to his country. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2013 in Winston-Salem, NC at Calvary Baptist Church, 5000 Country Club Road, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church. A private burial will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Carol Woods Charitable Fund, Resident Life, 750 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. A special thanks to the excellent staff, who loved and ministered to him so well. Words can never adequately express our deep appreciation for the outstanding care he received.