Affectionately known as “Mayor” of Pughsville
James “Buddy Red” Lawton, Sr., 83, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 4, 2025. Born on August 7, 1941, in Nansemond County, Virginia, he was the second oldest of 15 children born to the late Annie and George Lawton.
Buddy was a strong, generous provider and a pillar of support for his parents, siblings, and extended family. Deeply rooted in faith, family, and community, he devoted his life to helping others, whether by offering a place to stay, lending a helping hand, or simply being a listening ear. Alongside his beloved wife, the late Pastor Barbara Lawton, he opened his home and heart to countless individuals, young, old, and in between over the years, providing love and guidance with unwavering strength.
He was widely known as the “Mayor of Pughsville” for his remarkable hospitality and dedication to building community ties. As new neighbors moved into the area, Buddy made it his business to introduce himself and make everyone feel welcome. His warm presence and familiar face became a comfort to all who crossed his path.
A proud entrepreneur and master of many trades, Buddy owned and operated J&A Construction Company for over 40 years. His craftsmanship and leadership were instrumental in shaping the Hampton Roads area. Notably, he served as the construction foreman for the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument in downtown Norfolk, located at the corner of Brambleton Avenue and Church Street. He and his team laid the foundation for this powerful landmark, which stands today as a lasting tribute to justice and unity. His hands helped build many of the roads, schools, and buildings we pass by every day throughout the South Hampton Roads region — his legacy is literally cemented in the foundation of the community.
Buddy was a proud product of the Nansemond County School System. His journey took him to many places, including New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, before he returned home to Virginia, where his impact became lifelong. Known for being strict but fair, his love was always deep, and his lessons were long. Buddy always had his signature snack — a “brownie” — within reach, a small but sweet reminder of his consistent and comforting presence.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 55 years, Pastor Barbara Lawton; his son, James Wood Jr.; his parents, Annie and George Lawton; his brother George Jr. (“Booty-man”); and his sister Betty Ann.
He leaves to cherish his memory: three loving daughters, Ann Brown (Bernad), Angela Taylor (Monty), and LaKesha Riddick; two nephews he raised as sons, La’Vel and La’Ray Lawton; six sisters, Dorothy, Evelyn, Barbara Jean, Joyce Ann, Brenda, Sylvia, and Deborah; three brothers, Herbert Lee, Steve Lawton, and Robert Lawton; five sisters-in-law, Geraldine Blue, Allene Smith, Maggie Lawton, Vanessa Lawton, and Barbara Lawton; three brothers-in-law, Melvin Hike, Porter, and Solomon; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Yolonda Gordon, niece by marriage, for her care, and support during Buddy’s final days.
James’ “Buddy Red” Lawton, Sr. was a man of resilience, loyalty, and purpose. His presence was a gift, and his legacy will continue to shine through the people and places he touched. He will truly be missed by all who have the honor of knowing him.
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Stephanie says
June 7, 2025 at 11:00 amWe will miss you Uncle Buddy. Praying for the family. 🙏🏼♥️
Duane, Shayla, Jalen & Corde’ says
June 7, 2025 at 2:31 pmRest in Peace, Uncle Buddy. ❤️
Co pastor Mary Cheatham and St Matthew house of Refuge family says
June 7, 2025 at 6:24 pmSorry for your loss Buddy you will be missed by your family and friends but we know that your family love you but God loves you best
Helen Beamon and Ray Satterfield says
June 8, 2025 at 9:10 pmWe are praying for the family.
Lucille Faulks says
June 9, 2025 at 10:23 amA snowflake fell in Portsmouth, It wasn’t here to stay It teaches us how to cherish every moment, Because they would leave one day love to my family, Aunt Lucille:
YVONNE E Deloatch says
June 10, 2025 at 9:29 pmRIP Uncle Buddy better known to my family as the Mayor of Pughsville. When we moved to pughsville 41 years ago he was one of the first people to stop in the front yard to welcome us to the neighborhood. Our three sons use to always come home telling me that Uncle Buddy took them to the store and made sure they got home safe. We will miss him. The entire neighborhood will miss you. The Deloatch Family ,.Tony Ej Alex & family
PATRICIA A (Killebrew) BLACKMORE says
June 12, 2025 at 8:32 amTo the family of Mr. James Lawton, we know him as Buddy Red we are sending our sincere condolence to you all and may God Bless and keep the family in perfect peace. We are from Pughsville and we knew Mr. Lawton and his late wife and we knew his late son. To Pinky and Ann, we share in your sorrow and may the God of Peace sustain you all and the rest of your family too. Always take time to pray and Thank God for all he does, and he will take care of you all.
This comes from the Killebrew Family from Pughsville. Phil, Patricia, Sandra, Duckann, Jean, Mary Helen. We Love you all.