Thomas Lawler III was an Army veteran, a former police officer and a former district attorney, so there wasn’t much that could take him by surprise.
That is until his granddaughter, Reagan, was born two years ago.
“He said he didn’t know anything about little girls,” said his wife of 38 years, Trish Lawler, who lives in Norcross. He grew up with three brothers and raised a son, so he was preparing for a grandson, she said.
“Dad was convinced it was going to be a boy,” said his son Mike Lawler, who lives in Dacula. “He adored her, but at the same time was terrified of her and her girl-parts.”
Just before his beloved granddaughter was born, Thomas Clayton Lawler III, of Norcross, was diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer, his family said. His son said the family was concerned Mr. Lawler would not live to meet his granddaughter, but he did.
“At the end his biggest concern was that Reagan wouldn’t remember him, wouldn’t know who he was,” Mike Lawler said tearfully. “But we’ll figure it out, and she will know him.”
Mr. Lawler, widely known as Tom, died Wednesday, at Northside Hospital, from complications of the cancer. He was 63. A funeral has been planned for 2 p.m., Nov. 29 at Norcross First United Methodist Church. The body was cremated and his wife plans to spread some of his ashes in Savannah, one of his favorite places. Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Upon Mr. Lawler’s death, he was the Gwinnett County Clerk of Court, and had been since 1997. He worked for the county for more than 30 years in a number of positions, including serving two terms as District Attorney, several years as a solicitor in Juvenile Court and a police officer.
His career as a police officer started in 1970, but was interrupted when Mr. Lawler served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, as an intelligence officer in the Special Forces division. When he returned from military service, he served as the juvenile solicitor and continued his work as a police officer, his family said.
As the clerk, Mr. Lawler’s office handled all civil and criminal fillings and all real estate deeds and transactions, said Chief Deputy Clerk Richard Alexander. Mr. Lawler was a good boss, Mr. Alexander said.
“He had good people that he brought up with him through the ranks over the years,” Mr. Alexander said. “And he let them supervise their people without dictating from a higher position.”
Mike Lawler said his father's management style is what made him a good leader.
“He always said whenever you’re in charge, always surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are,” Mr. Lawler said of his father. “He was also a brilliant politician, in that he knew when to get involved in something and when not to get involved.”
Mr. Lawler respected his employees and he expected the same for those who came through the court system, Mr. Alexander said.
“He was always conscious of being a good public servant,” Mr. Alexander said of his boss. “He was adamant that we treat the court users with respect. And he reminded us that we served them, they didn’t serve us.”
Mr. Lawler is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Lawler of Norcross, Jim R. Lawler of Monroe and Jesse Lawler of Dacula.
About the Author
