Billy Gene Lawson, age 74, of McKinney, Texas, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Allen, Texas.  He was born on December 28, 1948 in Altoga, Texas, the son of Pryor Reno and Lois Lodena (Miller) Lawson.  Billy went to McKinney High School and volunteered for service in the Army before he graduated.  After his service to his country, Billy made sure to go back and get his GED.  Through his service in the military, he worked with the Army Corps of Engineers.   After returning to McKinney, Billy dated a girl he knew, Wanda Stailey, and they were married in 1972.  Together they welcomed their daughter, Penny, into the world and after a few years, their son Eric joined the family.  Faith and family were paramount in Billy’s life.  He was a devoted family man.  Billy’s principles led him to always invest in his family and their well-being.

Billy loved teaching and educating his family and his kids, especially about hunting and care around and for the guns you would hunt with.  Many nights were spent at the deer lease together as a family.  Billy was an easy man to shop for.  The only thing he wanted was his family together for the holidays and maybe a John Wayne western.  Billy did not talk too much, but when he did, you made sure to listen.  His words were full of meaning and substance.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Penny Lawson-Szabo and husband, Richard of Austin, Texas; son, Eric Lawson of Dallas, Texas; brother, Sammy Lawson and wife, Ruth of Ravenna, Texas; brother-in-law, A. J. Stailey of McKinney, Texas; and numerous other beloved family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda E. Lawson and brothers, George Elmer Lawson and Joe Lawson.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas with burial to follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Sunday evening, February 5, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm at the funeral home.