Buddy was a World War II veteran and served in the army. He retired from Memphis Light Gas and Water after 30 years of service. From 1976 to 1991, Buddy worked for the City of Bartlett Code Enforcement. He was also a former Elder at Decatur Trinity Christian Church and an avid golfer throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Della Wheat Dawson and Joseph R Dawson, Sr., his wife of 37 years, Esther Crook Dawson and his sisters; Geneva Rasbach, Gennette Gray, and L.V. Crone.
He is survived by his children; Joseph R Dawson, III, Marilyn Dawson Mercer (Keith), Carolyn Dawson Cates (Hal), and Tommy Dawson (Beverly), his brother, Charles Dawson, his grandchildren, Matthew Mercer, Jacob Mercer (Emily), Katie Boyd (Austin), Chris Cates (Kate), Candace Reid (Kevin), Chelsea Brooks (Steven), Chris Mull, Gabby Cutlip (David), and Noah Dawson and 7 great grandchildren.
A visitation for Joseph will be held Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.
Memorial donations in memory of Joseph Dawson may be made to American Heart Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Dawson family.