William Howard Dawson, Jr.

Bill Dawson went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Salisbury VA Home with family by his side. He was born December 5, 1945, in Okolona, Mississippi, to Geneva George and William Howard Dawson Sr. Preceding in death in addition to his parents were brothers, David Dawson, Lee Dawson, grandson Tyler S Whitley, and granddaughter Lily Hope Owens.

Bill graduated from Okolona High School and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He served 2 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1969-71 in Mayport, Florida. He was sports director for the city of Tupelo, Mississippi, for 4 years following college. He spent about 25 years in sales before working for the Rowan-Salisbury School System the last 7 years prior to his retirement in 2010. He was a member of Parkwood Baptist Church since 1991 and enjoyed serving there.

Some of his favorite past times were playing golf, watching his Ole Miss teams, listening to his music and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed staying in contact with family and his childhood and college friends in Mississippi.

Surviving are his wife, Ann Dawson, of the home; daughter, Holly Owens (Paul); son, William Owen Dawson from Charlotte; Step-children, Leigh Ann Love, Michelle Snider-Smith and Tracy Snider (Michell); Grandchildren, Chelsea Ingram, Caroline Owens, Ashlee Little, Katelyn Waugh (Trey), Emily Lee (Donovan), Maggie Williams (Branden), Meeka Snider, Bradley Crim and Heydon Smith (Savannah); Great Grandchildren, Trey, Chaney Kate, Corbyn and Rayna Little, Kyler, Jayden and Kash Whitley, Blake Furr, Kamlyn, Jackson and Evie Waugh, Kade and Dax Lee, Liam, Greyson and Ryleigh Smith; special cousin, Martha Bowles (Harry) from Corinth, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Ann Simmons Dawson of Starkville, Mississippi; and nephews, Eric, Charlie, and Taylor Dawson.

Services in celebration of Bill's life will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at Parkwood Baptist Church, Concord.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:15 am.  The service will follow at 11:30 am, officiated by Rev. Michael Waters.  Following the service, Bill will be laid to rest with military honors at 1:30 pm at Salisbury National Cemetery.

The Dawson family would like to extend a very special thank you to all the staff of Salisbury Veterans Home and Pruitt Hospice who gave Bill love and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Parkwood Baptist Church (1069 Central Dr NW, Concord, NC 28027), Pruitt Hospice or Equipping with Truth Ministries.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is service the Dawson family.