John Charles Lawter, 75, of Landrum went to be with Jesus on Sept. 5, 2013.

He was the son of the late Grady and Zira Haynes Lawter and husband of Victoria Pierce Lawter. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.  He was retired from Landrum Mills.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Victoria Pierce Lawter; two sisters, Frances Hyder and Katie Ruff; a niece, Shirley Corn; a great niece, Kala Cantrell and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Bonnie Lawter and Leona Bailey.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. at the church conducted by Rev. Lynn Stewart, Rev. Chuck Mullinax and Rev. Bobby Pierce. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or to Gideon International, Foothills Camp, P.O. Box 1294, Gramling, SC  29348.

The family is at the home. Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.