Fred Raulston Lawson, our beloved patriarch, loving husband, awesome girl dad, devoted and proud grandfather and great-grandfather, respected banker and dedicated community leader, passed away October 6, 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of service, leadership and love.

Born in Wears Valley, Tennessee, on March 26, 1936, to parents Arville Ralston Lawson and Ila Mary Lowe Tipton Lawson, the family later moved to Townsend, TN, where he grew up. Fred was raised with an appreciation for hard work, personal responsibility, and serving others. These values shaped a remarkable career spanning more than five decades and inspired a lifetime devoted to strengthening his community and creating opportunities for others.

A proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Fred continued his professional education at Louisiana State University School of Banking and the Harvard Institute for Financial Management. His knowledge, sound judgment, and steady leadership earned him the respect of colleagues throughout Tennessee’s banking industry.

He began his banking career as a teller at Blount National, Maryville, in 1958, serving as President and Director from 1968–1986. He later served as President and CEO of Bank of East Tennessee, Bank First, and Bank East as Chairman. His expertise in the banking field led to his appointment as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions in Nashville, during the administration of Governor Don Sundquist from 2001–2002.

Throughout his distinguished career, Fred remained committed to advancing the banking profession. He served as President of the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA) and served on numerous affiliate committees. He was recognized by the TBA in 2007 as a “Leader in Banking Excellence”. He was also director of the Nashville branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Fred began serving on the Blount County Economic Board at its inception in 1969. His leadership helped guide the board and its programming for over 52 years and concluded with his 5th term as Chairman, resulting in being promoted to Chairman Emeritus in 2021. He firmly believed that attracting new industries and creating quality jobs would secure a brighter future for generations of Blount County residents.

As an active member of the community, he served on numerous boards over the years, including Maryville College, Carson-Newman University, East Tennessee Historical Society, Knoxville Symphony, Covenant Health and Heritage Center, in Townsend.

Fred was a long-time devoted member of Monte Vista Baptist Church, a 65-year Mason, as well as a Navy veteran.

He was a UT “Vol for Life”, and avid supporter of UT football, Vols and Lady Vols basketball. A season ticket holder for decades and seldom missed a game. Also enjoyed traveling, horseback mountain trail riding, pheasant hunting, snow skiing, beach trips, and any gathering with family or friends. He was our family genealogist and author of “Lawsons of East Tennessee”.

Fred and Sharon (his beloved wife) enjoyed 44 wonderful years together, a true loving partnership that enriched both their lives with many memories to cherish. He truly enjoyed a life well lived and always felt forever blessed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arville and Ila Mary Lawson, and by six of his seven siblings, Bill Tipton, Ray Tipton, Lorena Tipton Johnson, Mary Ruth Maddonx, Inez Calkin, and Betty Hayes.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sharon; his three daughters, Terry L. Akins (Lyn), Laura A. Lawson (Vicki); his stepdaughter, Kris W. Newvine (Scott); his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud, Corey Rathbone (Sarah), Anna Akins, Dylan Rathbone (Michelle), Matthew Newvine; his great-grandchildren, Ella Rathbone and Jordyn Rathbone. Also, his sister, Billie Williams, and sister-in-law Rose Tipton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In memory of Fred’s life, services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Monte Vista Baptist Church, Maryville. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. Pallbearers include Matthew Newvine, Scott Newvine, Corey Rathbone, Dylan Rathbone, Lyn Akins, and Jim Calkin. Special scripture reading by Anna Akins.

The family would like to express appreciation for the compassionate care of the long-term care team at TCC at Morningview Village, with special appreciation to Amedisys Hospice Care members Cait and Monica. A special thanks to long-term friends who have always been there when needed: Ronnie Brewster, Bob and Connie Sullivan, Sergey and Maria Volkov, Hamid and Renee Nasrollahi.

If desired, memorials may be made to Monte Vista Baptist Church, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville, TN 37803. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.smithfuneralandcremation.com.