Anthony "Tony" Peter Dawson

Mr. Anthony Peter Dawson, 63, died May 6, 2015. A mass of Christian burial will be at 11 AM, Friday, May 15, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with Reverend Louis Canino officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM prior to the service.

Tony was born on August 15, 1951 in Stockton-On-Tees, England to Peter Edward and Maureen Aston Dawson. He was the eldest of nine children and is preceded in death by his father and brother, Christopher Dawson.

He was raised in England and Germany and received his formal education at British Aerospace College. A two week visit to the US in 1987 became a permanent stay when he met and married Barbara Meyer. Tony’s talents and zeal for life were endless. He had a creative mind and his hands were his instrument in bringing his thoughts to reality. What most people would consider work, Tony truly enjoyed: renovating almost every room in the family home, restoring cars, refinishing furniture, and gardening. He taught himself how to play various musical instruments, was a talented artist and enjoyed a challenging game of chess. He loved nature, reading and had an eclectic taste in music. Tony was an involved and supportive father who took the time to teach his children the value of hard work and the importance of family. He will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor and generosity. His father instilled in him a love for aircraft which became his passion and career. His parents were glider pilots and his father served in the Royal Air Force. He was self-employed in the aircraft industry and was owner of Dawson Aero Limited and part owner of Opus Aircraft. Tony was a man of great faith, was a practicing Secular Franciscan and a member of St Paul the Apostle and former member of St. Pius X Catholic Churches.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Barbara Meyer Dawson; their children, Brian Francis and Pamela Bernadette Dawson; his children, Marianne Elizabeth and Peter Anthony Dawson; mother, Maureen Dawson; and seven siblings and their families.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Tony’s memory may be made to St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, 477 Grogan Road, Stoneville, NC 27048. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Dawson family.