Robert Bishop Dawson, Sr.: – 09/09/20

Obituaries

Wednesday, 09 September 2020 10:57

Robert Bishop Dawson, Sr., 68, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Monday, September 1, 2020. Funeral services were held Friday, September 4, 2020 at Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dex Bender and Rev. Polly Robb officiating. Burial followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brad Bradford, Danny Bridges, Clyde Butler, Dennis Dawson, Randy Giles, Monty Hill, Hoyt Harbin, Paul Holland, Larry McBride, Gene Necklaus, Jeff Stewart, Bill White, Chris White, David Valentine.

Having grown up in Scottsboro, Robert was well known. He attended Scottsboro High School and wore the #22 jersey. After attending the University of Alabama for one year, he enlisted in the United States Army. Stationed in South East Asia, he served four years with the N.S.A. in intelligence and was honorably discharged and returned to Scottsboro.
Robert had a deep-rooted love for this area and hunting, fishing as well as golfing. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, USGA and the VFW. He was also an active member of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church. With his father having been a firefighter and Fire Chief, Robert followed in his father’s big footprint to become a firefighter. He served for 27 years, retiring as Captain. He also ran a consolidated purchasing company simultaneously.

Pursuing a second career in midlife, Robert attained his undergraduate degree in Fire Science and Business Administration from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He later pursued nursing at Northeast Alabama Community College, became a RN and worked primarily in the emergency room at Highlands Medical Center. He continued his interest in nursing at Southern Estates Assisted Living Facility he and his wife built in 1993, where they provided loving and compassionate care to the residents and their families.

Meeting his life partner and love, Shirley and having a family life with her brought the greatest joy and happiness to him. They were married 34 years and have four children and nine grandchildren. They children are, Robert Bishop Dawson, Jr., Shannon Vines (Tim) Haston, Bradley Howell Vines, Cheryl Vines (Lynn) Thornton; grandchildren, Layton and Liv Dawson, Wimberly and Windsor Haston, Carson Vines, Christian Gray, Dillion, Adyson and Matlyn Thornton; sisters, Deborah Gunter, Emma Dean (Steve) Beaird; nieces and nephew, Taylor Overstreet, Mary Reading (Andy) Graydon, Natalie Beaird, Dawson (Alysia) Beaird.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Dawson; mother, Mary Emma Dawson; father, Robert Porter Dawson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or to the local VFW Post #6073.