Eugene Lawler, Jr. (a.k.a. Bubba), son of Eugene Lawler, Sr., and Berta Mae Johnson Lawler, was born in Ozark, Alabama on August 7, 1946. Eugene departed this life on October 10, 2023.
Eugene and his family relocated to Talladega, Alabama, during his pre-teen years, where he became a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Mardisville, Alabama. He graduated from Robert Russa Moton High School in Sycamore, Alabama. After graduating high school, he attended Alabama A&M University in Normal (Huntsville), Alabama. Before completing his studies at Alabama A&M University, he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War and made the Army his career.
While serving, Eugene was united in marriage to Helen Lorraine Terry. They were blessed with three wonderful children through this union: Yolanda Shontell Lawler, Eugene Lawler III, and Cedric Sean Lawler. While serving his country, Eugene retired from the army in 1991 and became a civil servant working for the U.S. Department of Defense. After over 20 years with the Department of Defense, he retired and moved to Huntsville, Alabama, in 2011.
The two things Eugene loved most were his family and his garden. He fiercely loved his children and his extended family through words and deeds. He tilled, planted, watered, and weeded his garden nearly daily. He freely shared his garden’s bounty with his family and friends at harvest time.
His father, Eugene Lawler, Sr.; mother, Berta Mae Johnson Lawler; older sister, Annie Laura Laguerre; next oldest brother, Billy Jack Lawler; and his youngest son, Cedric Sean Lawler, preceded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memory two children: one daughter, Yolanda Shontell Lawler of Chicago, IL; one son, Eugene Lawler III, of Alexandria, VA; a beloved grandson, Malcolm Eugene Young of Chicago, IL; five sisters, Verdell Lawler of Manhattan, New York, Mary Strong (James) of Huntsville, AL, Gwendolyn Harris of Manhattan, New York, Deloise Parker (Johnny) of Huntsville, AL, Omie Caradine of Malvern, AR; two brothers, Bobby Lawler of Montgomery, AL, Benny Lawler (Brenda) of Huntsville, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and several long time devoted friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Fountain of Life Ministries (4015 Triana Blvd SW, Huntsville, AL 35805) with Pastor James Strong officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Mr. Lawler will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and 8:30 until 9:00 a.m., Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
