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Henry County Remembers Brian Keith Lawson
AXTON — The Henry County law enforcement community is mourning the loss of a man who spent nearly three decades wearing the badge — but whose impact went far beyond the uniform.
Retired Henry County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Brian Keith Lawson died Sept. 4, 2026, following a courageous battle with leukemia.
Lawson was a veteran of the United States Army and dedicated 29 years to law enforcement, serving with the Martinsville Police Department, Martinsville Sheriff’s Office, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Ferrum College and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office described Lawson as much more than a deputy.
He was a trusted friend, mentor and colleague — someone his fellow officers knew they could count on.
“He was an outstanding deputy, a trusted friend, a mentor, and someone you could always count on,” the sheriff’s office said. “He brought experience, compassion, humor, and a strong sense of duty to every assignment.”
His courage was perhaps never more evident than during a 2010 emergency on Hobson Road in Axton.
While serving with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Lawson responded to an explosion at a burning structure. He located a critically injured man near the scene, called for emergency medical assistance and immediately began CPR.
It was, according to those who knew him, exactly the kind of moment that defined Lawson — when someone needed help, he didn't hesitate.
But Lawson's legacy won't be measured simply by his rank, his years in uniform or the agencies where he served.
It will be measured by the people he helped.
By the officers he mentored.
By the friendships he built.
And most importantly, by the family he loved.
Sheriff Wayne Davis and the men and women of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office extended their deepest condolences to Lawson’s wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends, as well as the many members of the law enforcement community who had the privilege of working alongside him.
“Brian was an amazing deputy, an exceptional public servant, and a valued member of our law enforcement family,” the sheriff’s office said. “His service and the impact he made on this community will not be forgotten.”
And then came a simple thank-you that perhaps says it all:
Thank you, Brian, for your service, your friendship, and the example you left behind.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The family will receive friends Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freedom Baptist Church, 790 Irisburg Road in Axton.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. at Freedom Baptist Church.
Interment will follow at the Earles Family Cemetery, 273 Collins Road, Axton.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the Lawson family.
For a man who spent his career answering the call when others needed help, there is perhaps no more fitting final farewell:
Rest easy, Lieutenant Lawson. We'll take it from here.
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