Big Stone Gap, Va.- Ronnie Dwayne Lawson, Jr., 34, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. He was born in Big Stone Gap, VA and lived in Dryden, VA during his younger years. He was a 2009 graduate of Powell Valley High School. He had worked at Mulligan Flooring, VFP Building and then finally at Southern Forest Products. He loved fishing, riding side-by-sides, Alabama football and doing anything his wife Chelsea wanted to do. He loved his son, Garrett, and would do anything for him. He was a good friend to many.
Dwayne is survived by his wife of 10 years, Chelsea Lawson; son, Garrett Lawson; father, Ronnie D. Lawson (Nickie) of Kingsport, TN; mother, Glenna Gillenwater (David) of Stickleyville, VA; father-in-law, Lonnie Wise (Missy) of Big Stone Gap, VA; mother-in-law, Terri Poff of Big Stone Gap, VA; sister-in-law, Ashley Sharrett (Adam) of Big Stone Gap, VA; one niece he thought the world of, Abby Sharrett who knew him as “Uncle Dane”; his best friend and brother, Josh Arrington & wife Morgan of Duffield, VA along with special nieces, Raelyn and Parker; and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 5:00-7:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 7:00pm with Pastor Billy Wells ministering.
The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 12:00noon in Joseph Garfield Long, Sr. Memorial Cemetery, 1201 3rd Ave. East, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those attending are asked to assemble at Gilliam Funeral Home to leave in procession at 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up for his son, Garrett. Contributions may be made to Eastman Credit Union, 127 Comfort Drive, Duffield, VA 24244.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the friends and family of Dwayne Lawson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.