William R. "Bill" Lawson
March 8, 1943 ~ October 14, 2021
William “Bill” Russell Lawson, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at Fairfax Hospital on Thursday, October 14, 2021 with his family by his side.
Bill was born in 1943 in Washington, D.C., the youngest of three children, to LaMont Harris Lawson Sr. and Charlotte Hughes Lawson. Bill was preceded in death by his Father LaMont Harris Sr., his Mother Charlotte, his Sister Brenda Lawson Brown, his Brother LaMont Harris Jr., and his beloved Wife Carol Kay. He is survived by his two children, Son Derrick Mark Lawson and Daughter Leslye Michelle Lawson, his Daughter-In-Law Karen Beth Tatters Lawson, his Grand-Niece-In-Law Reiley Skye Tatters, and his faithful black Labrador Retriever Murdock. Brother-In-Law of Louise “Tweedle” Lawrence, Uncle of Dawn Bailey, Great-Uncle of Storm Crook (LaMont Harris Jr.); Uncle of Courtney and Leigh Brown (Brenda Lawson); Brother-In-Law of David H. Cloud Jr., Uncle of Jeff and David Cloud III (Carol Kay).
Bill attended McKinley Tech High School in Washington, D.C., and at the young age of 17 was admitted to the Historic Black College, Howard University to study architecture. While at Howard he enrolled in the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), one of the premiere leadership programs in the country. He was Co-Captain of the Howard Bison men's basketball team and continued his family’s legacy as a member of the Xi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also privileged to be granted an architectural fellowship at the General Services Administration (GSA). In 1965 he received his 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University and upon graduation began his lifetime, dedicated career as a public servant at the General Services Administration (GSA).
While attending Howard University he met, courted, and married the love of his life Carol “Kay” Cloud Lawson. Bill was enchanted by Kay at first sight and withheld his young age from her as it was known on campus that she would not date a younger man. With persistence and personality he won her over. They went on their first date to see the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s and thus began their beautiful love story. “Moon River”, the theme song to Breakfast at Tiffany's, became their love song. Theirs was a love for the ages. Their union was ordained in August 1964, however since they eloped, for many years friends and family were told they married in 1965. They moved from D.C. to the Virginia suburbs into a townhome proudly & architecturally designed by Bill. They raised two loving children, Derrick and Leslye, and lived joyously together in their family home in Reston, Virginia, until Kay’s passing in August 2011. Bill had the lyrics from their love song, “Moon River, wider than a mile, I’m crossing you in style some day”, engraved on their tombstone to symbolize their devotion to each other for eternity.
In the 1960’s Bill was on the Reston Zoning and Planning Commission. He worked closely with Reston’s Founder, Robert E. Simon, and was integral in the design and the continued development of Reston’s garden city planning concept.
A civil rights activist, Bill was a member of The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), involved in countless non-violent protests, sit-ins, marches and boycotts in support of the civil rights movement. He marched on Washington so that his children could have the right to vote.
A doting father, Bill enjoyed extracurricular activities with his children growing up. He was the coach of his daughter’s basketball teams and the Scoutmaster of his son’s Boy Scout Troop. Into adulthood he provided for, guided, and supported his children across the spectrum of life. Sharing his wife’s belief that a parent’s job doesn’t end when a child turns 18, both he and Kay cultivated and sustained a home for their children filled with love, discipline, leadership, expectations, and encouragement. He carried over this belief as he mentored teens, troubled youth, and aspiring professionals throughout his life.
In 1997 he became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), bestowed by the Institute in honorable recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Architectural profession through his design excellence, and achievements in the field of architectural education.
From 1991 through 2006 he was paramount in the preservation of the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans and the subsequent construction of the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. His passion, dedication, influence, and “stubbornness” were fundamental in the construction of the World War II Memorial in 2001. Subsequently he was thanked personally by Senator Bob Dole for his unrelenting drive to see the project completed. Later in 2001 he was presented with a ceremony of appreciation for his countless efforts and continued support of the United States Secret Service and it’s missions. Further, he met President Clinton at a Secret Service building dedication ceremony, where the President thanked him personally for his years of commitment, resolve, and perseverance in supporting the people that protect him.
During Bill’s time with the General Services Administration (GSA), he began as a Design Architect and advanced to become one of the highest-ranking architects working for the government. While at GSA in the 1980’s he took on the role of an International United States Delegate, working closely with his counterparts in the then USSR to construct & maintain U.S. buildings, safety, and relationships during the Cold War. Amongst his many leadership positions at GSA, he particularly enjoyed his roles as the Deputy Regional Administrator for GSA’s Northeast & Caribbean Region in New York City, and the head of the Public Building Service (PBS) in GSA’s National Capital Region (NCR). In his last 2 years in the federal government, Bill was privileged to serve as the Acting Executive Director for the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) where he oversaw all federal planning in the NCR.
Some of his proudest moments in public service were leading a number of high-profile federal planning and development initiatives. It wasn’t a joke, you could put him anywhere in D.C. and he’d have a story. Such as, whenever the family visited or drove past the “Old Post Office Pavilion”, he would recall and share every detail of the renovation project he’d led years before.
After more than 35 combined years of public service, Bill retired to the private sector where he utilized his life’s work experience as an intermediary to the federal government. Bill was privileged to lead the federal marketing practice at Jones Lang LaSalle and the Staubach Company for a combined 7 years.
Upon retirement he founded Federal Marketing Services LLC, a Marketing Consulting Services business within the Engineering, Accounting, Research, and Management Services sector.
Bill believed in giving back to the community, not by giving a hand-out, but by giving a hand up. He was an active member of Leadership Greater Washington where he made a positive impact on the community by providing leadership training and mentorship to youth leaders. He helped empower students to learn from community leaders and each other.
Bill had a passion for football. He was a faithful and devoted fan of the now named Washington Football Team throughout his entire life. He loved tailgating and attending their games at RFK Stadium. As the years passed he looked forward to spending many a Sunday watching games with his son Derrick. On Saturdays he enjoyed watching college football with his daughter Leslye, cheering for “The” University of Miami Hurricanes. He was a collector of both Washington Football Team and Miami Hurricane memorabilia.
A socialite to the core, at 6’10” he commanded any room upon entering, however his quick wit, infectious smile, kind and compassionate spirit are truly why people were drawn to him. He cared so deeply for all of his many, many friends over the years and enjoyed hours of respectfully debating politics with those who had opposing views. He was affectionately known as “Tree” in his Washington, D.C. circle of friends.
Bill was a patriot and a historian. He loved our country and its history. He believed in duty, service, and doing the next right thing, as evident from his more than 40 combined years of public service. He was a great storyteller, sharing his own personal experiences in life intertwined with historical events, especially those surrounding our government and the presidency. One such story was about being on a ladder inspecting the crawl space design in a ceiling at the White House during his fellowship. As Bill was “colorfully expressing” his displeasure with what he was seeing, he heard a voice below. After “expressing” himself a few more times, he heard the voice say, “Well, I’m sure you’ll work it out.” As Bill turned to see who was talking to him, President Eisenhower was walking away.
Bill Lawson was an extraordinary man and by all accounts, they broke the mold. He was admired not only by friends and family but also by most that met him, even if just briefly. He just had that way about him; that way of pouring all his love and energy into the person he was with in that moment, always leaving a lasting impression.
Bill was born in 1943 in Washington, D.C., the youngest of three children, to LaMont Harris Lawson Sr. and Charlotte Hughes Lawson. Bill was preceded in death by his Father LaMont Harris Sr., his Mother Charlotte, his Sister Brenda Lawson Brown, his Brother LaMont Harris Jr., and his beloved Wife Carol Kay. He is survived by his two children, Son Derrick Mark Lawson and Daughter Leslye Michelle Lawson, his Daughter-In-Law Karen Beth Tatters Lawson, his Grand-Niece-In-Law Reiley Skye Tatters, and his faithful black Labrador Retriever Murdock. Brother-In-Law of Louise “Tweedle” Lawrence, Uncle of Dawn Bailey, Great-Uncle of Storm Crook (LaMont Harris Jr.); Uncle of Courtney and Leigh Brown (Brenda Lawson); Brother-In-Law of David H. Cloud Jr., Uncle of Jeff and David Cloud III (Carol Kay).
Bill attended McKinley Tech High School in Washington, D.C., and at the young age of 17 was admitted to the Historic Black College, Howard University to study architecture. While at Howard he enrolled in the Army ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), one of the premiere leadership programs in the country. He was Co-Captain of the Howard Bison men's basketball team and continued his family’s legacy as a member of the Xi Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also privileged to be granted an architectural fellowship at the General Services Administration (GSA). In 1965 he received his 5 year Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University and upon graduation began his lifetime, dedicated career as a public servant at the General Services Administration (GSA).
While attending Howard University he met, courted, and married the love of his life Carol “Kay” Cloud Lawson. Bill was enchanted by Kay at first sight and withheld his young age from her as it was known on campus that she would not date a younger man. With persistence and personality he won her over. They went on their first date to see the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s and thus began their beautiful love story. “Moon River”, the theme song to Breakfast at Tiffany's, became their love song. Theirs was a love for the ages. Their union was ordained in August 1964, however since they eloped, for many years friends and family were told they married in 1965. They moved from D.C. to the Virginia suburbs into a townhome proudly & architecturally designed by Bill. They raised two loving children, Derrick and Leslye, and lived joyously together in their family home in Reston, Virginia, until Kay’s passing in August 2011. Bill had the lyrics from their love song, “Moon River, wider than a mile, I’m crossing you in style some day”, engraved on their tombstone to symbolize their devotion to each other for eternity.
In the 1960’s Bill was on the Reston Zoning and Planning Commission. He worked closely with Reston’s Founder, Robert E. Simon, and was integral in the design and the continued development of Reston’s garden city planning concept.
A civil rights activist, Bill was a member of The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), involved in countless non-violent protests, sit-ins, marches and boycotts in support of the civil rights movement. He marched on Washington so that his children could have the right to vote.
A doting father, Bill enjoyed extracurricular activities with his children growing up. He was the coach of his daughter’s basketball teams and the Scoutmaster of his son’s Boy Scout Troop. Into adulthood he provided for, guided, and supported his children across the spectrum of life. Sharing his wife’s belief that a parent’s job doesn’t end when a child turns 18, both he and Kay cultivated and sustained a home for their children filled with love, discipline, leadership, expectations, and encouragement. He carried over this belief as he mentored teens, troubled youth, and aspiring professionals throughout his life.
In 1997 he became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), bestowed by the Institute in honorable recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Architectural profession through his design excellence, and achievements in the field of architectural education.
From 1991 through 2006 he was paramount in the preservation of the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans and the subsequent construction of the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. His passion, dedication, influence, and “stubbornness” were fundamental in the construction of the World War II Memorial in 2001. Subsequently he was thanked personally by Senator Bob Dole for his unrelenting drive to see the project completed. Later in 2001 he was presented with a ceremony of appreciation for his countless efforts and continued support of the United States Secret Service and it’s missions. Further, he met President Clinton at a Secret Service building dedication ceremony, where the President thanked him personally for his years of commitment, resolve, and perseverance in supporting the people that protect him.
During Bill’s time with the General Services Administration (GSA), he began as a Design Architect and advanced to become one of the highest-ranking architects working for the government. While at GSA in the 1980’s he took on the role of an International United States Delegate, working closely with his counterparts in the then USSR to construct & maintain U.S. buildings, safety, and relationships during the Cold War. Amongst his many leadership positions at GSA, he particularly enjoyed his roles as the Deputy Regional Administrator for GSA’s Northeast & Caribbean Region in New York City, and the head of the Public Building Service (PBS) in GSA’s National Capital Region (NCR). In his last 2 years in the federal government, Bill was privileged to serve as the Acting Executive Director for the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) where he oversaw all federal planning in the NCR.
Some of his proudest moments in public service were leading a number of high-profile federal planning and development initiatives. It wasn’t a joke, you could put him anywhere in D.C. and he’d have a story. Such as, whenever the family visited or drove past the “Old Post Office Pavilion”, he would recall and share every detail of the renovation project he’d led years before.
After more than 35 combined years of public service, Bill retired to the private sector where he utilized his life’s work experience as an intermediary to the federal government. Bill was privileged to lead the federal marketing practice at Jones Lang LaSalle and the Staubach Company for a combined 7 years.
Upon retirement he founded Federal Marketing Services LLC, a Marketing Consulting Services business within the Engineering, Accounting, Research, and Management Services sector.
Bill believed in giving back to the community, not by giving a hand-out, but by giving a hand up. He was an active member of Leadership Greater Washington where he made a positive impact on the community by providing leadership training and mentorship to youth leaders. He helped empower students to learn from community leaders and each other.
Bill had a passion for football. He was a faithful and devoted fan of the now named Washington Football Team throughout his entire life. He loved tailgating and attending their games at RFK Stadium. As the years passed he looked forward to spending many a Sunday watching games with his son Derrick. On Saturdays he enjoyed watching college football with his daughter Leslye, cheering for “The” University of Miami Hurricanes. He was a collector of both Washington Football Team and Miami Hurricane memorabilia.
A socialite to the core, at 6’10” he commanded any room upon entering, however his quick wit, infectious smile, kind and compassionate spirit are truly why people were drawn to him. He cared so deeply for all of his many, many friends over the years and enjoyed hours of respectfully debating politics with those who had opposing views. He was affectionately known as “Tree” in his Washington, D.C. circle of friends.
Bill was a patriot and a historian. He loved our country and its history. He believed in duty, service, and doing the next right thing, as evident from his more than 40 combined years of public service. He was a great storyteller, sharing his own personal experiences in life intertwined with historical events, especially those surrounding our government and the presidency. One such story was about being on a ladder inspecting the crawl space design in a ceiling at the White House during his fellowship. As Bill was “colorfully expressing” his displeasure with what he was seeing, he heard a voice below. After “expressing” himself a few more times, he heard the voice say, “Well, I’m sure you’ll work it out.” As Bill turned to see who was talking to him, President Eisenhower was walking away.
Bill Lawson was an extraordinary man and by all accounts, they broke the mold. He was admired not only by friends and family but also by most that met him, even if just briefly. He just had that way about him; that way of pouring all his love and energy into the person he was with in that moment, always leaving a lasting impression.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
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Papa Lawson, your warmth and authenticity was undeniable. While I only had a few years to know you, I count the time a privilege. Thank you for the legacy you have left us, and we know you’re with Mama Lawson, reunited in love and the glory of God.
Tribute to William R. “Bill” Lawson, FAIA To the Family of Bill Lawson, You have my profound condolences for the loss of Bill Lawson. I had the high honor and privilege to be mentored by Bill late in my career. Bill was a great public servant, a great architect, and a great man. I am younger than Bill and I followed in his footsteps. We were both born in Washington, DC, we both graduated from McKinley (Tech) High School, we both graduated from Howard University’s School of Architecture, we both became architects, we both became public servants, and we both were elevated to College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Bill was the sponsor for my nomination to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. I enjoyed being in his presence and he was person who I looked up to both literally and figuratively. He was an inspiration to me, and I am going to miss him very much. Ricardo C. “Rick” Herring, FAIA
I met Bill, along with Thurman Davis, in the late 70’s or early 80’s when I was working on GSA issues on the US Senate staff. I liked him immediately, as did everyone. We then got to work together when I came to GSA in the 1990’s. I admired his dedication to GSA and to the people who worked for him and also his ever-present sense of humor and determination that work can be both meaningful and fun. I love equally the memory of being in GSA meetings with him and of being out on a dance floor with him. In the past couple of years, I loved reading his political commentaries and his finely expressed sense of outrage. What a fine and good man! He leaves behind a legacy of wonderful public architecture and planning in our area. Bob Peck, former Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, GSA.