Dawson Lee Ray

Dawson Lee Ray (Henson) passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 22. Dawson was born on June 12, 2002 and born again as a Christian in January 2015 at a Disciple Now event at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. Soon after he heard the life-changing truth of the Gospel, he became a part of the Henson family in February 2015. He moved to Vestavia Hills, Alabama and graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 2021 where he proudly held the titles of AHSAA 7A Heavy Weight State Wrestling Champion and 7A All State Offensive Tackle. Dawson was a friend to all. He lit up a room with his huge smile, bear hugs, and enormous presence. He was known by many as a gentle giant and often referred to as ‘Big D.’ He had a gentle heart and loved his friends and family deeply, along with the Georgia Bulldogs. Dawson was fulfilling his lifelong dream of coaching as an assistant coach of Carver High School wrestling team. Despite his struggles and battles, Dawson sought to live by James 1:19, he daily encouraged his friends with scripture, and he knew Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

Dawson is survived by his parents, Jordy and Kim Henson; siblings Heather and Carson Windle, Holli and Tim Robertson, Hope and Ross Thompson, Jordan Henson, Sarah Osula, Jeremiah Barrow; grandparents Rena Henson and Ann Jaynes; birth mother Crystal Ray; adopted mom Chris Pitts, siblings Kaylee Kiep, Baylee Pounders, Taylor Pitts, and Jaylin Pounders; grandmothers, Sandra Owen and Joyce Crabtree, and countless other cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends he held dear and leaned on as family.

A celebration of life service will be held at Shades Mountain Baptist Church on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Dawson will be inurned at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Shades Mountain Baptist Church’s City Ministry or ALR Sober Life in memory of Dawson Ray.

Donations to Shades Mountain Baptist Church can be made via cash, check or text.

Mail donations to Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 2017 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL 35216. To text to give, text CITY followed by the dollar amount (ex: CITY75) to 205-881-5050.

Donations to ALR Sober Life can be made by mail to 1520 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL 35020 (https://www.anylengthresources.com).