Paul Rain Dawkins

Paul was born Aug 14, 1931 and attended West Riverside Elementary, Landon High School and graduated from the University of Florida with honors where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He earned his Master’s Degree in Building Construction from UF in 1957.

Mr. Dawkins served in the US Air Force at Upper Heyford Air Force Base near Oxford, England where he met and married his wife of 56 years. His 40 year career was in the Dawkins family business founded by his father and he retired as president of Ideal Housing Corp in 1995. He was a member of the Meninak Club, charter member of Deerwood Country Club, the University Club and president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. Paul was an active lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville where he served as Sunday school superintendent, head usher, chairman of the Board of Trustees and other leadership positions.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt Clinton Sr. and Florence Dawkins and brothers Dewitt Jr., Crosby and John. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria W. “Pat” Dawkins; daughters Daphne Barlow (Dan), Rosemary Madden and Elizabeth MacEachern (Miles); and four beloved grandchildren Emily Madden, Miles MacEachern III, Tyler MacEachern and Courtney Barlow.

In his retirement years Paul enjoyed golf, music, watching the Gators, travelling and spending time with family . He was dearly loved and will be missed by the many people whose lives he has touched.

Visitation will be held Tuesday Jan 17 from 6 to 8 pm at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, Fl. A celebration of Paul Dawkins’ life will be held at First United Methodist Church 225 E Duval Street, Wednesday Jan 18 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville or Family Promise of Jacksonville PO Box 40363 Jacksonville, FL 32203.