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John Dawson died at 76

Longtime Jeff Davis County State Farm Agent John W. Dawson Jr. died Dec. 27 at the age of 76.
A Telfair County native and graduate of Lumber City High School, Dawson began his 46-year career with State Farm Insurance in Hazlehurst in 1973. The Army veteran was a member of Hazlehurst First Baptist Church where the talented singer sang in several cantatas.
He attended Middle Georgia College with further studies at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he sang with the Boston Pops. He returned to Georgia and shortly after met Peggy Anne Tucker on a blind date and married Jan. 16, 1966.
In 1966 John worked for the Heart of Georgia Emergency Management services in Eastman. He remained committed to this service throughout his life.
While living and raising his family in Hazlehurst, John’s lifelong commitment to civic services included PTO President, Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce member, President of JDH Athletic Booster Club, President of JDH Band Booster Club, Safe and Sober Committee, Emergency Management Team in conjunction with FEMA.
He volunteered many years with the Hazlehurst City Fire Department and was instrumental in securing the land on which the Fire Department is currently located. He was also instrumental in the vision for a helipad at Jeff Davis Hospital so medical care could be readily availabley.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Anne Tucker Dawson of Hazlehurst; daughters, Cathie Dawson of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jennifer Stinson (Joey) of Dublin and Kimberly Jackson (Jeffrey) of Milledgeville; son, John William Dawson III (Wendy) of Tifton; sister, Sandra Miles of Hazlehurst; brothers, Michael Dawson (Janice) of Waycross and Larry Dawson (Myleisha) of Hazlehurst; 13 grandchildren, William Farnham (Karyn), Caitlin Mention (Tone), Heather Roe, Victoria “Tori” Roe, Lillian “Lily” Roe, Justin Barber (Kailey), Bethany Barber, Lauren Stinson, Hunter Hulett, John “Hayden” Hulett, Taylor Jackson, Graham Jackson and Blake Jackson; great-grandchildren, Arthur Farnham, Alexis Mention and Torren Kemp; several nieces and nephews.
For more information, see the obituary page.

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