Ernest Lee Dawson

Ernest Lee (“Ernie”; “Bear”) Dawson passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 2, 2021, now reunited with his late wife, Marjorie Thacker Dawson. He was born with a twin sister to the late James Albert Dawson Sr and Susie May Daniel Dawson on August 2, 1928. Bear served in the Navy during the Korean conflict, then worked for Westover Dairy and Strother Drug, before retiring from Meredith Burda (RR Donnelley) in 1991. He was a member of Park View United Methodist Church of Lynchburg, VA and later Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Concord, VA. He was also a member of Concord Happy Heart Seniors. Bear loved fishing, camping, and sipping a good cold beer or bourbon. Even though he was a quiet man of few words, he found joy in entertaining, whether playing the harmonica, singing a line or two, or using his wit to make others laugh. Bear is survived by sons, Ernest Lee Dawson II of Thaxton and Glenn Floyd of Lynchburg; and daughters, Sandra Moore (Daryl) of Bedford, and Wanda Floyd of Lynchburg; grandchildren, Sherry Dawson of Forest, Brad Evans of Roanoke, Nicole Johnson Dunn (Mason) of Poquoson, and Rachel Floyd Richards (Justin) of Charlottesville; 5 great grandchildren, Adam, Hannah, Jacob, Rosalie, and Leo; along with several brother- and sister-in-laws; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bear was preceded in death by granddaughter, Jessica Moore; sisters, Katie Tyree, Virginia Ford, Helen Spradlin, and twin, Eunice Beal; and brothers, James Dawson Jr, Houston Hayes “Red” Dawson, and Donald Dawson. Family and friends will gather for visitation at 10am, Monday, October 11th, in Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A Life Celebration Service will be held immediately following at 11am on Monday, October 11, 2021 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. Burial will follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park. A time of food and fellowship will follow at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Concord at 1pm for all those who wish to attend. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society; Concord Senior's Happy Hearts, Attn: Violet Roberts, 2327 Old Country Rd., Lynchburg, Virginia 24504; or Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Concord, Virginia. Arrangements are in the care of Whitten Timberlake Chapel, Lynchburg, VA. Bear will be available for viewing Sunday, October 10, as well for those unable to attend on Monday. Contact Whitten’s for details.