Johnnie B. Lawton, Jr., 59, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Putnam Community following an extended illness. Johnnie B. was affectionately known as Odom and Junior. He was a native of Palatka, born Thursday, March 20, 1952 to Johnnie B. and Evelyn (Wade) Lawton, Sr. He was a graduate of Palatka South High School Class of 1970. Odom briefly resided in Boston, MA and Newark, NJ. He was a member of Bethel A.M.E Church and formerly served on the Ushers Ministry. Junior enjoyed working with his father and brothers as an auto body and paint technician at the former Johnnie B. Lawton & Sons Auto Paint and Body Shop. He briefly taught general education math courses at the college, prepared income tax returns and was a notary public. He enjoyed listening to music, formerly participated in softball & basketball and was an avid sports fan.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his parents; grandparents, E. Varnes and Inez Parnell Richards; Jesse and Mollie Wade.

To cherish his memories; Longtime Companion (31 years), Eva Mae McClendon, Palatka; beloved son; Stanley Hunter, Palatka; brothers & sister; John Edward (Glenda) Lawton, Naples; Leroy (Ann) Wade, Queens, Long Island, NY; Charles H. Lawton, Sr., Palatka; Joseph A. Poppa (Joy) Lawton, Gainesville, John M. (Lavancia) Lawton, Flagler Estates; Mary Lawton (William) Thomas; 24 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 22, at The Chapel of Serenity. Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka, Reverend James McGriff, Eulogist. Friends may sign the Lawton familys guestbook at www.flaggserenitychapel.com.

Interment will be at Oak Hill East Cemetery.