Charles "Chuck" Elliott Lawson, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, on March 26, 2025. Born on June 20, 1938, in New York, New York, Chuck lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and love, leaving behind countless cherished memories for his family and friends.

Chuck’s journey took him from the bustling streets of Brooklyn, NY to the Northern Virgina suburbs of Washington, DC, and finally to the sandy shores of Ocean Isle Beach, NC. He proudly graduated from SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler with the class of 1960 and went on to serve as a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserve, earning an honorable discharge in 1974. His love for the sea and naval engineering continued throughout his career, working with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Blohm+Voss, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. His contributions to advanced ship design, always focused on flexibility and efficiency, helped shape the future of the Navy.

Chuck’s true joy, however, came from the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer, and anyone who played with him knew his uncanny ability to turn a friendly game into a competition for the ages—especially when he scored a hole-in-one on June 23, 2008! He was also an accomplished skier, often taking family and friends on memorable trips to the slopes. When he wasn’t perfecting his golf swing or carving down the mountain, you could find him at the beach, or, convincing his friends to help him with his latest house project—for the low, low price of a beer.

Chuck was a proud member of Ocean Ridge Plantation Country Club and International Country Club in Fairfax, VA, where he was known for his leadership on and off the course. He also served as the captain of Navy recreation leagues, leading his teams to victory in intramural sports like softball and touch football. Chuck's playful spirit, sense of humor, and natural ability to bring people together made him a beloved friend and family member.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Lawson, and his three children: Christine Lawson (husband, Riaz Latifullah), Dawn Chronister (husband, Andrew Chronister), and Charles Morgan Lawson (wife, Marsha Lawson). Chuck was also the proud grandfather of Nicholas Chronister (fiancée, Anna Serfass), Alexander Chronister (wife, Alyse Hopkins), Joseph "Sepp" Latifullah, Nicole Lawson, Rory Lawson, and Justin Lawson.

Chuck would often say, "You have to be brave to grow old," and he lived this philosophy every day. His adventurous spirit, humor, and infectious laughter will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM in the Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel 5229 Ocean Hwy W Shallotte, NC, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughter, and memories of Chuck. In the words he would want to be remembered by:

"Remember me as I was, full of light and love. Although not with you now, I will be watching from above. Thankful for the time we had, gone... yet not apart."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you raise a glass of beer to Chuck’s memory and share a story of a time he made you laugh.