William Spencer Lawler, Jr.

William Spencer Lawler, Jr. (“Bill”) passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama, surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Doris Lawler; his sister, Virginia Stepanek; his brother-in-law, David Edwards; his former wife, Katharine Lawler; and their three children: son Bill (and Bridget) Lawler, daughter June (and Frans) Lowman, and son Bob (and Michelle) Lawler. Additionally, he leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, six nieces, four nephews, and his beloved pets Hope, Jewel, Henry, and Bob.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, captain, conductor, editor, classmate, whisperer, mentor, storyteller, knight, speaker, explorer, neighbor, friend, shepherd, hero, Santa, and a kid at heart. 

Bill was born on June 9, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He attended St. Joseph’s Prep High School in Bardstown, Kentucky, where he played football and ran track, and over the years, he played a significant role in organizing his high school reunions. 

His service as a volunteer fireman in Lakeside, California, led to a 30-year career with the City of Westminster, California, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Bill found great joy in serving and mentoring others to become firefighters. 

Among his many decorated accomplishments in the fire service, he was elected President of the Orange County, California Fireman’s Association, held the position of Editor in Chief of the Orange County, California Fireman’s Newsletter, and was a three-time recipient of the Firefighter of the Year award.

He had a zest for people and animals alike. He lived a life of unparalleled service and generosity, never meeting a stranger. 

With his ability to communicate with animals, it is easy to imagine him boarding God’s creatures onto Noah’s ark long ago and readying the reindeer for that special night each year. 

For those in Madison, Alabama, chances are you enjoyed his Halloween and Christmas displays over the past 20 years, or ran into him at McDonald’s, where he and his buddies would meet for coffee several mornings each week. 

He will be remembered for showing us the power of faith and family first, that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going, and every morning is Christmas morning. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. 

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, the critical care guide dog, Vivian, and her handler, Angel, who cared for Bill in MICU at Huntsville Hospital and guided him home. Their dedication and compassion will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on November 22nd at Most Merciful Jesus Catholic Church, 10509 Segers Road, Madison, preceded by a Rosary at 10:30 am. A celebration of Bill’s life and luncheon will follow at 12:30 pm.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the following in remembrance of Bill’s life and love for the fire service and animals. 

California Fire Museum and Safety Learning Center 
Orange County Fire Service Association 
Donations can be made at: www.ocfsa.com 

Connie's Canine Rescue 
107 Benson Blvd, Madison, AL 35758. 
Venmo: @conniescanines 
Paypal: conniesk9rescue@gmail.com 
Link to our shelterluv account for donations: https://tinyurl.com/Connies-Canine-Rescue 
Find us on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/CCRescueonFacebook