Mr. John Carlton Dawson Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby with Rev. Jerry Speer officiating. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery with military honors. Family will visit with friends Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby.

John Carton Dawson, Jr. was born on December 17, 1925 in Dothan, Alabama. Serving in 3 wars with the U.S. Navy, he served on 5 different ships through World War II-Pacific Theater, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer, he retired after twenty-six years of service. Mr. Dawson dedicated his life to serving his country and his fellow veterans. As a member of the American Legion Post 135, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5795, and the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 79, he diligently aided veterans less fortunate than himself for most of his life. The state of Alabama honored his efforts by naming him Veteran of the Year in 2011.

Patriarch of a large and loving family, John met his wife of 72 years, Evelyn Virginia Dawson, when he was just 21 years old while riding on bicycles through their neighborhood of Beallwood. John and Virginia met, fell in love, and were soon married. They returned to their childhood neighborhood where John built their first home, and welcomed their first child Ricky 1 year later. A short 14 months after, the Dawson’s would welcome their second child Peggy into the world. John and his family lived all over the country. Taking short-term residences in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, California, New Jersey, and Tennessee through his military service. However, he would return home to Georgia to spend his retirement with family and friends.

Mr. Dawson celebrated life through his kindness and care for others. Whether he was welcoming a new veteran at the American Legion, offering you a piece of his beloved chocolates, or baking a bunny cake to welcome his newest grandchild (or great-grandchild, and even great-great grandchild!) to the family on their first Easter. A proud member of Northside Baptist Church for over 20 years, John Carlton Dawson, Jr. embodied the Christian spirit sought after by so many. He was an anchor to his community, family, and friends. Grandfather (Papaw) of John, Marty, Jennifer, Alan, Chris, Heather, and Lauren. Great-Grandfather of Brandon, Konrad, Drew, Brentleigh, Kennedie, Taylor, Cameron, Rylee, Banks, Madeline, Emmett, Hilary, Cody, Emily, Chloe, and Chase. Great-Great Grandfather of Sophie, Olivia, Avery, Kenneth, Kenzleigh, and Kylor. Our “anchor holds, though the ship is battered, the anchor holds, though the sails are torn, I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas, the anchor holds in spite of the storm.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Dawson family.