Henry L. Dawkins

Henry Leroy Dawkins, Jr., 73, of Clinton, died Wednesday, June 24, 2015, while in hospice care. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 28, 4-7 p.m. at Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Lakewood Cemetery. Henry and his twin brother John were born July 26, 1941, in Louin, MS, to Ora Belle Maske Dawkins and Henry Leroy Dawkins. He grew up in Louin, enjoying life on the farm. After finishing Jones Jr. College, he attended Howard College (now Samford University), graduating with a pharmacy degree in 1965. He began working as a pharmacist in Vicksburg, building relationships with his customers, whom he enjoyed serving throughout his professional career. A pharmacist for more than 40 years, he also worked in drugstores in both Jackson and Brookhaven. Henry and his wife of 45 years, Dolly, were the proud parents of children Julie and Lee. The Dawkins reared their children in south Jackson. In later years, they also resided in Brookhaven and Clinton. Henry was a member of First Baptist Church, Brookhaven, and Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton, both of whom he faithfully served as a deacon. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, the fellowship of the deer camp, attending any activities in which his children were involved, and doting on his grandchildren. Henry was a gentle giant of a man, who will be remembered for his unfailing kindness, patience, helpfulness, and a servant heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother John, and granddaughter Sarah Summers Wardlaw. He is survived by wife Dolly, daughter Julie Wardlaw (Russ) of Clinton, son Lee Dawkins (Trudy) of Pelahatchie, and grandchildren Mary Evins and Maggie Wardlaw, Carley Dawkins, and Colton Bradley. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Rita Dawkins and Mary Louise Summers, brother-in-law Plez Summers and wife Anne, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Parkway Baptist Church, 802 N. Frontage Road, Clinton, MS 39056; Batson Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 22789, Jackson, MS 39225; or Alzheimer's Association, 196 Charmant Place, Suite 4, Ridgeland, MS 39157.