William Edward "Bill" Lawhorne

Heaven just got brighter as the joyful force of light known as William Edward “Bill” Lawhorne, 73, of Prince William County, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Aug. 28, 2026, after bravely battling an aggressive form of leukemia.

Bill is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Ann Lawhorne (née Chandler); his son, Billy (Mary); his daughter, Jennifer; three granddaughters; one grandson; brothers Ronald and Dana; sisters Dawna Kasper and Karen Allen; and three nieces and three nephews.

Born Nov. 6, 1952, Bill grew up running the streets of Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood as the second oldest of five siblings. He met Annie while they were seniors at George Washington High School, as part of the school’s last graduating class in 1971. They married in 1974 and welcomed their beloved children soon after. The family moved to Woodbridge and later settled in Montclair.

A hardworking everyman with a quick wit and sweet personality, Bill spent 32 years at Giant Food. Bill loved fishing and could always be counted on to tell a good story about his pursuits. He especially cherished his annual fishing trips to Smith Mountain Lake with lifelong friends and, often, his son. He was also a devoted Washington Redskins fan, holding season tickets for much of his adult life. One of his favorite memories was attending Super Bowl XVII to cheer on his team, along with Annie, to a 27–17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

Bill and Annie retired to Myrtle Beach in 2013, where they spent more than a decade soaking up the sun and building a close-knit circle of friends in their neighborhood. After Bill’s leukemia diagnosis in 2025, they moved back to Virginia to be closer to family.

Bill spent his final months with the people he loved most, especially his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. His warmth, humor and generous spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a viewing and celebration of Bill’s life on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria, starting at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hackerman-Patz Patient and Family Pavilion at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

To Make a Gift by Check, please make it payable to Johns Hopkins Medicine, (Memo Line: Hackerman Patz Pavilion).
Mail to:
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, Development Office
750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202

To Make an Online Gift, please visit ONCO-Kimmel | Johns Hopkins Secure eCommerce, Under the Select Your Gift Designation tab, select “Other” and enter Hackerman-Patz Pavilion.