Charles Willard III

Stonington — Charles Lawson Willard III, 84, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, June 1, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents, the Rev. Charles Lawson Willard Jr. and Louisa (Skelton) Willard; and his wives, Ann Langben Willard, the mother of his children and Ruth Delafield Potter Willard.

He is survived by his children, Victoria Langben Willard of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Charles Lawson Willard IV (Mary Bess) of San Francisco, Calif.; and five grandchildren, Lawson, Suzanna, Giles, Simon and Andrew. He also leaves stepchildren, Edward Potter (Penelope), Howard Potter (Judy), Christian Potter Drury and Margaretta Potter Patterson (Mckee); and four siblings, Sarah W. Penegar of Knoxville, Tenn., Sherwood S. Willard (Magrieta) of Bloomfield, Clifton D. Willard of Knoxville, Tenn., and Anthony Lawson Willard (Dorothy) of John’s Island, South Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

Lawson was born in New York City on Dec. 13, 1933, and grew up in New Haven. He graduated from Westminster School, Simsbury, Class of 1952; the University of Virginia, Class of 1956; and the University of Virginia Law School, Class of 1959. After graduating from law school, Lawson practiced law at Kelly, Dry, Newhall, McGinness & Warren in New York. He subsequently joined the legal department of Mobil Oil and developed an expertise in international agreements. He lived in Saudi Arabia for several years while working for Mobil. Upon his retirement, Lawson lived in Stonington and London, England.

Among Lawson’s favorite pastimes were cruising on his motor yacht “Curlew” off Stonington harbor, particularly crossing to Fishers Island Club for a round of golf and hosting floating dinner parties for his many friends where he would go out to sea and float back with the tide, enjoying the sunset from the stern of his beloved boat. He was a great raconteur and conversationalist, an avid reader of history who was happy to share his joy in the “Flag of Stonington” with anyone who would listen. He was an active supporter of many organizations in Stonington and London including Mystic Seaport, Mystic and the American Friends of Royal Museums Greenwich, Inc., Greenwich, England. In addition to the Fishers Island Club, Lawson was a member of the Stonington Country Club and the Wadawanuck Club, both in Stonington, and the Union Club in New York City.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355 or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m. June 23, 2018, at the Calvary Church, 27 Church St., Stonington.

He will be missed by all, especially his devoted companion, Kate Babcock Yates.