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A benefit softball tournament will be held at South Hills Complex on Saturday in memory of Terry Lawson.

Terry Lawson loved baseball, and he coached his son, Mark, for three-four years, from the time he played “tee-shirt” until he began playing Little League.

“He was always there for me,” Mark said. “He never missed a practice. He never missed a game. He made sure I always had my equipment — gloves or cleats.”

Mark said that after he started Little League, his father sat back, letting someone else coach him so he could enjoy watching him play.

When Mark’s Pony League team went to the World Series, Terry was there to watch. Mark said he can remember his father traveling to watch him play as far away as Texas and Louisiana.

“I can remember when he worked 12-hour shifts,” Mark said. “He got off work, went to Cheraw to watch my game and then came home. He might have slept an hour or so before he had to go back to work. He was always there no matter what.”

Mark added that his father also coached his grandson and was always there for his games.

Terry passed away on June 25, leaving his family with hefty funeral expenses. While figuring out a way to raise the money, Mark naturally thought of a ball game.

The result was a benefit softball tournament in memory of Terry Lawson.

The tournament will be held this Saturday, Aug. 11, at the South Hills Softball Complex, and teams may register through Friday. The entry fee will be $150 per team, and all proceeds will go toward funeral expenses. Hot dogs and drinks will also be sold at the event, with those proceeds also going toward funeral expenses.

The first place team will receive a trophy and t-shirts for the team. The second place team will also receive t-shirts.

Those who are interested in registering a team for the tournament may do so by calling Shawn Peace at (864) 426-7653 or April Lawson at (864) 762-0289.

Mark said Terry will be remembered as a good father and a good “Papa,” who was always supportive.

“He was always there when I needed him,” Mark said.