Obituary
Gordon Ray Dawson, 84, of Dinwiddie, VA passed away on July 7, 2025, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, VA.
Born in Wilson, North Carolina, on September 9, 1940, he joined the North Carolina Army National Guard as an infantryman in 1960, After 8 years he left the National Guard as a SPC E4. He then began a career as a lineman working for numerous power contractors over the course of his 40-year career, establishing the vital overhead power infrastructure in many areas in northern North Carolina and Southern Virginia.
His work ethic followed him in everything he did even at home. He could be seen cutting his grass at least once a week regardless of the height. Everyone that knew him called him Ray. Ray was a stubborn man that was set in his ways, but that is what made him HIM. Ray thoroughly enjoyed Nascar and fishing. He loved his family, had few friends but held them close. Ray married the love of his life Gladys F. Dawson in 1974 and remained side-by-side for 50-years until her passing. Together they built a life caring for one another’s children.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother Cora Faye Stell (Dawson), stepfather Grover Stell, sister Janice Faye Hudson, daughter Edith Jones (Dawson), stepsons Harry and John Andrews, and David Rathbone.
He is survived by his son Joeseph Dawson, daughter Regena Goodman (Dawson), 9 grandchildren, over 20 great grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews.
A public viewing will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at J.L. Dodson Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia.
The Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at SouthLawn Park & Mausoleum 191 birdsong Road Petersburg, VA. With Military Honors. Pastor Dan East, Officiating, Eulogist, Destination Church Hopewell Virginia.
The family is asked to assemble at the cemetery 10:45 a.m. on the day of service.
Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Virginia. Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., and Ricky Montgomery, Funeral Director., (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”
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