Dawson Alexander McQuaig Sr.

Dawson Alexander McQuaig Sr. passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. A true self-made man, Dawson was known for his selfless love, which he shared with anyone he met and his devotion to his family, his church and his city. His greatest attribute was his servant heart which he exercised through his faith in Jesus Christ.

Dawson was born in Waycross, Georgia on October 1, 1931 and attended Andrew Jackson High School where he was a cheerleader for the Tigers and played the trombone in the school band. He continued his education at Stetson University and from there went on to earn a law degree from The University of Florida. He also served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. Dawson loved practicing law and while he spent time in private practice, he was committed to using his degree in public service. He became an Assistant Public Defender in 1968, served as Assistant State Attorney from 1969 until 1972 and then was a County Judge until named General Counsel of Jacksonville by Mayor Hans Tanzler in 1976. He continued to serve in this role under Mayor Jake Godbold.

Dawson was a member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served on various committees, sang in the choir and attended Sunday School. His faith led him to serve on the Board of Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, which he chaired in 2003. Dawson was also a member of the Riverside Lions Club and Treasurer of the Jacksonville Jaycees.

Although he was a busy man outside of his home, anyone who knew him was aware that he was the most loving husband and father a family could ask for as well as a loyal friend. His six children have wonderful memories of family trips to the beach and mountains, making their school lunches and driving them to school playing “beetle bug”, doing terrible imitations of comedians, grilling steaks on a Friday night before football games, attending their dance recitals and swim meets, clowning around with their friends, and always encouraging each one that any goal is possible with hard work. He was Dad to Dawson Jr. (Sissy), Kim (Frank), and Blair (Chris) and “Big D” to his stepchildren, Erin (David), Rae (Chip) and Russell.

Dawson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia McQuaig, whom he adored. They enjoyed traveling the world, attending the Jacksonville Symphony and Jaguar, Gator and “Gator Bowl” games, fellowshipping with friends, serving their church and spending time in their mountain home in Wolf Laurel, North Carolina. Dawson also enjoyed snow skiing, hunting, boating, playing golf, and watching sporting events.

And boy did he love his grandchildren, who will never forget his unwavering support in all things, his big smile, crazy cackle and silly nature, days grilling out at the pool, and fun, loud family holidays. He was Granddaddy to: Ashley (Taylor), Dawson III, James, Maisie, Daniel, Casey, Max, Jameson (Jessica), Colby (Hunter), Bradley, Hannah, Payson, Lauren, Lila, Caleb, Sophie, Patrick, Samuel, and Abby. He was Great Granddaddy to Beckett, Emma, and Avery Kate.

Whether you knew him as Judge McQuaig, Dawson, “Big D”, Granddaddy or “Grand D”, he was larger than life and will be deeply missed by all family members and friends. Please join the family to celebrate Dawson on October 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church and for fellowship afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dawson’s name to the endowment fund of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church.