Mr. John W. Dawson, 76

With great sadness the family of John W. Dawson Jr. wishes to inform you of his passing Dec. 27 at the age of 76.
Mr. Dawson was born May 23, 1943, in Telfair County to the late Jack William Dawson and the late Lillian Grindle Dawson. He was a veteran of the United States Army and began his 46-year career in 1973 with State Farm Insurance. He was the first-ever State Farm Agent in Hazlehurst and he was passionate about serving his community as a State Farm Agent. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst. He enjoyed his men’s Sunday School Class, and throughout the years enjoyed singing with the choir in several cantatas. John truly loved building his life in this community with its people.
He graduated from Lumber City High School and later attended Middle Georgia College with further studies at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. While in Ohio, John used his vocal talents while singing 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.
John volunteered many years with the 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 in Jeff Davis County so medical care could be readily available in our rural community.
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.
Services were held Dec. 31 at First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst with the Rev. Brad Waters, the Rev. Rick Brown and Vic Brantley officiating. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery in Lumber City.
Honorary pallbearers were Men’s Sunday school class of First Baptist Church, Mr. and Mrs. James Mincey, Doris Stone, Bobby and Dee Googe, Wayne Waters, Brenda Merritt, Perry Smith.
Active pallbearers were Phil Merritt, Herk Miles, Clay Deloach, Charles Wasdin, Roy Waters and Brad Bixler.
Music was rendered by Bridgett Corbin and the congregation.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.