Rev. Cecil Eugene "Gene" Lawing

Rev. Cecil Eugene “Gene” Lawing, 90 passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016, after an extended period of declining health. Gene was born in McDowell County on August 19, 1926 to the late Lona Gallion Lawing Hensley and Ray Lawing. Gene was a US Army veteran and after serving his country honorably in World War II, he returned home, accepted a call from the Lord to become a Minister. He graduated from Carson Newman College and accepted a call to pastor Beaver Creek Baptist Church in Wilkes County and attended South Eastern Seminary. Several years after graduating from seminary he accepted a call from Bethel Baptist Church in Burke County where he served for 15 years. He and his wife then purchased a lodge in Ridgecrest where he met Tom Bacon, Director of Missions for the state of Nevada. In November 1989, Gene and his wife began a mission work that continued for 11 years. After some health problems he and his wife Betty, returned to Morganton and their home church, Mount Home Baptist where they continued to serve 5 more years with Mission Service Corp. In March 2008, they were awarded Emeritus status by the North American Mission Board in honor of their 16 years of faithful service. They were the first in North Carolina to receive this award.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Homer Lawing and wife, Geneva, Ned Lawing, and Paul Lawing.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Seagle Lawing; daughter, Gail Lawing; son, Van Ray Lawing and wife, Pam; brother, John Hensley and wife, Mildred; grandchildren, Amanda Dorlan and husband, Scotty, and Adam Lawing and wife, Renee; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Dorlan, Daniel Dorlan, Matthew Dorlan, Zoe Lawing, and Emma Lawing. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Sybil Sparks and Betty Ruth Lawing. Gene is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 16, 2016 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church Graceful Giving Fund, 2272 Mt. Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.

The family would like to thank Burke Hospice for the care they provided the Lawing Family.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.