Paul Johnson Lawson
April 18, 1929 – August 11, 2024

Paul Johnson Lawson of Orange Cove, California passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 11, 2024. Paul was born on April 18, 1929 in Highland, California to Ray and Daphine Lawson.

Paul graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1946. During his high school years Paul earned the honor of being chosen for the boy's club due to the fact that he had superior grades and was a fabulous citizen.

Paul enlisted in the Army, he was discharged August 16, 1949 as a Sargent and later transferred to the Navy, where he was honorably discharged March 4, 1954, as a Sargent where he earned the nic name "Juice".  He was an excellent center field baseball player in the Navy baseball league which toured around the world to play various other teams. At which time the Korean War was taking place.  Paul was "One of the Chosen Few". Prisoner of war, saved by an incredible Sargent, that we owe our family legacy to, who carried Paul to safety.

Upon his discharge and return to Highland he met the beautiful Nancy Gayle Rutledge, they were married on October 30, 1955 in Highland, California.

Paul and Nancy were blessed with 4 sons: Jeff born in 1956, Mark born in 1958, Curtis 1959, and Troy born in 1964.

Lawson Brothers became a business in 1926, started by Paul's father Ray and his Uncle Jim. It started as a spray business and then later became a successful citrus farming business.

Paul and Nancy made their home in Highland, where Paul worked alongside his family members in the citrus business.

Due to eminate domain and a new freeway and the growth of Southern California, Paul decided to move his family north to the San Joaquin Valley. In 1965 Paul and Nancy moved to Cove Avenue, Navelencia, California. They joined Dick and Lorraine, Paul's brother, which had already established a business in Ivanhoe, CA, Lawson Brothers continued to grow under Paul and Dick's knowledge and hard work. It was at this time that Paul and Nancy's life path changed for the best. Cove Ave was an amazing community, which continues to this day, that enabled their young family to flourish with great neighbors.

The move to the new house on Road 124 continued the growth of the family.  That neighborhood was the hub of the Orange Cove Community. Paul continued to nourish Lawson Brothers and was respected as a farmer.

Paul continued to farm until his passing. He instilled his love of farming and the land to his sons and grandchildren.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Daphine Lawson, his brother Dick Lawson and sister Jean Ballenger.

Family was extremely important to Paul. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy. Sons: Jeff, Mark, Curtis and Troy. Grandchildren: Nathan, Krystle, Brandon, Justin, Nicholas, Camron, Kirsten.  Great Grandchildren: Bret, Tessa, Zachary, Reagan, Jaxson, Walker, Presley, Adley, Aubrey, Derek, baby Lawson. As well as many nephews and nieces that have found memories of Uncle Paul.

Graveside Services will be held at Smith Mountain Cemetery, in Dinuba, CA on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 10 a.m.