William Lawler Obituary

LAWLER, William Entered into eternal rest Capt. William A. Lawler, USN retired, at his home on December 7, 2008. He was 78 years old. A native of Baltimore, MD, Bill attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and one year at Johns Hopkins University prior to relieving his congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Maryland. He played plebe and varsity lacross, was the 8th company commander and graduated with the class in June 1953. Upon graduation, Bill served briefly at the Academy indoctrinating the incoming plebes of the class of 1957. He proceeded to Pensacola for flight training and relieved his wings December 1954. During his career he served in the three carrier based anti submarine squadrons, VS-27, VS-36 and VS-24 which he commanded in 1970-71. His shore duty assignments included the Naval Academy (math department), post graduate school at Monterey, Armed Forces Staff College, military assistance command, Saigon, Vietnam, Army War College, Joint Chiefs of Staff and Navy Staff (OP-01). Bill commanded the Naval Air Facility, Detroit from 1978-80 and was the N-3 on Mine Warfare Command Staff in 1980-81. He retired to the Isle of Palms, SC in April 1984. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Elizabeth Thomas Lawler; his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband James; his sons, William, Jr. Thomas and James; six grandchildren; his brother, John B. Lawler and his sister, Mary Sue Way . The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Lawler are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 11, 2008 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal, with Military Honors will be at The U.S. Naval Academy. The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM and the family will receive friends until 7:00 PM this Wednesday at The JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 1620 SAVANNAH HIGHWAY, 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.