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Alphonso Dawson Obituary
Alphonso "Al" Bernard Dawson, Sr. 55, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, died December 26, 2014, losing his battle to Leukemia. in Alabama. Al was born on May 6, 1959 to Frankie (Washington) Dawson and the late Lee C. Dawson. A descendent from a rich South Carolina Heritage, his family moved to Florida and resides in Wakulla, where he grew up. Alphonso "AL" was the oldest of five children.
Alphonso graduated from Wakulla High School in 1977. During Al Education career,
Al became known as the fastest Wide-Receiver/Running back in Wakulla County and State history, going on to earn The 1976 and 1977 All-American Football Player of the Year. Alphonso furthered his education in North Carolina, where he attended college on a football scholarship. Al's football career ended in a severe injury.
Having a passionate for mankind, Al joined the U. S. Army, where he served for twenty years. During his military career, Alphonso was deployed five times, held various titles, including that one of CIA, protecting our country's President and the Pentagon. After 20 years of serving his country, Al retired.
At a very early age, Al was baptized and joined New Mount Zion Moody Missionary Baptist Church, Wakulla, where he actively attended until he relocated.
Alphonso lived a focused, devoted and private life as he developed lifelong friendships through the contributions he made to his community and country. He contributed his time, skills, and knowledge to football, school functions, and missionary work. He had an array of interests and his ultimate interest became his passion. He was an avid football player and received honors, medals, and trophies, at the local, regional, and state levels. Al was dedicated to football; where he played at the high school and collegiate levels.
He leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife, Cynthia (Byers) Dawson; four children, Alphonso Bernard Jr. (New Jersey), Chantel (North Carolina), Natasha (Orlando, FL) and Cadence (Alabama); A devoted and loving mother, Frankie L. (Washington) Dawson, Crawfordville, four siblings, Calvin Dawson (Brenda) Tallahassee, FL, Minister, Sharon Durig (Apostle TJ Durig), Lakeland, Fl; Dr. Deborah Barnes (Dana), Tallahassee, FL and Angela Denson (Donald), Crawfordville, Fl.; one adopted sister, Cynthia Huff (Marianna); four grandchildren, Alphonso Bernard Dawson, III, Chance Dawson, Lauren Michele Dawson, and Devon Lloyd; As well as a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A Military funeral services will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road. Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2015, from 11 AM to 6 PM at Strong and Jones Funeral Home. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Alphonso Dawson
Sponsored by CW4 Timothy Carley & Family .
Mattie Dawson
December 31, 2025
You are in heaven
Mattie Williams Dawson
December 31, 2025
You are in heaven and have your wings
Cynthia Dawson
December 26, 2025
Remembering my hubby today and honoring his life and sacrifice to our country. Thank you for joining me in remembering him
Kathy Olbeter
December 26, 2025
Al was a patient of mine at Lyster Army health clinic and was such a joy to be around. I have such warm memories of he and Cynthia on his visits. May it be of comfort to know that he is remembered.
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Kathy Olbeter
December 28, 2023
May it be of comfort knowing that Al is not forgotten. Although I met him as his provider at Lyster Army Health Clinic, he quickly became someone I was blessed to consider a friend. My love to the family.
Cynthia Dawson
December 26, 2023
It still hurts terribly even though it´s been 9 years. Thank you, my love, for all the wonderful memories. I´ll see you on the other side. Love, your wifey
Alphonso Dawson
May 4, 2016
I love you more than I love myself, I say that to say this" I would of given my life for you"
Alphonso
Bernard
Dawson Jr.
Bridgie Lewis
February 12, 2015
May God bless and comfort the Dawson family during their great loss. Elder Bridgie Lewis & family
Cynthia Dawson
February 4, 2015
Please join us at my husband's interment to Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 1000 hours. Please message me at [email protected] for more details. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and memories. We appreciate them very much. May God bless you.
ANGELA DAWSON-DENSON
January 12, 2015
Missing my brother so MUCH.. My HERO forever!
Cynthia Dawson
January 9, 2015
Sergeant First Class ‘Al' Dawson was an exemplary soldier, an honorable man, and the perfect husband. His accomplishments were many and very impressive. He was First Class in everything. Yet, he humbly would tell you that he owed it all to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord above all else; only second to that was his country; for which he gladly dedicated and gave his life. I deeply grieve the loss of the love of my life; my hero; my husband. When those sleepless nights hit, I find great comfort and joy reading your comments, stories, and anecdotes. It is comforting to know that I do not grieve alone. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and stories. Please keep them coming. I will post details of his interment to Arlington National Cemetery as soon as I know. May God bless you.
January 7, 2015
Angela, I am so sorry hear of your loss. My condolence to you and your family. May God comfort and sustain you all during this difficult time. So many times I've heard you speak of your brother with love; I know he was very special to you.
~~Gloria Merritt
Shirlyne Everette
January 6, 2015
To the Dawson family,
I cannot even express the shock I had this morning when my sister called to tell that my schoolmate, Al had passed away. I believe my heart must have skipped a few beats.
I met Al in elementary school, but was in class with his cousins. The Dawson boys were sweet, kind and handsome. Al was a couple years older. It would be several years before his and my paths would cross again, because of integration. We met up again at the Wakulla High School. He was in 9th grade when I arrived there in 7th grade. Shortly after I arrived, he started meeting me at my locker and carrying my books to class. At first, I thought he was just being nice and helping me make the transition. But, I found out (probably through a mutual friend),...he liked me. He was always the gentleman. I remember we never talked on the phone as it was "long distance" from my house to his, but we would talk between classes. Over the years, when we would run in to each other, we would laugh about those days.
Al never missed school, I remember that. The only time he was out would be when he'd have these terrible nose bleeds. But he NEVER complained.
The last time I saw Al was probably 4 or 5 years ago; same sweet, smiling, happy, caring guy I remembered so fondly from "back in the day."
Family, I know you're feeling pained, but please know he is with his maker and God wanted one of His best. And though my heart is heavy today, I find some comfort in knowing that he and my baby sister (who left last year as well) are together and resting in the bosom of our Lord.
Kathy Olbeter
January 5, 2015
Cindy and Family:
I was deeply saddened and shocked today to learn of Al's passing, but know that he is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. In life, he was truly an inspiration to those around him. I feel privileged having known him and will cherish his memory. Thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Wilbur Bradham, Sr and Family
January 5, 2015
To my family, we sincerely express condolences to you. Sweet memories will last a life time. RIP AL
Terry Budget
January 5, 2015
We have truly lost a dedicated leader. Al was my first supervisor when I first came into the Army in Virginia. He will surely be missed.
Gwen Chavious
January 3, 2015
To Ruth Cooper and family
I send my prayers and love to
the family during this time of loss.
January 2, 2015
My condolence to the Dawson Family. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. -Isaiah 61:1,2
~Catherine
Bessie K elly Hamilton
January 2, 2015
Lift up thy eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help: Our help is from the Lord. Psalm 121
ELDER RAYMOND SANDERS JR.
January 2, 2015
Be it resolved, that our deep expression of sympathy be extended to the family whom we commit unto God of all comfort,who will sustain them in their hour fo loss.
Vivian Hall
January 2, 2015
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal. Today my heart is heavy but yours is heavier. Know that God sits on the throne. Whatever his will let it be done. Day by day your heart will become lighter and cherished the memories you have it will help you through the hard times. Lean not to your own understanding but that of the will of God. My prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.
Maryjane Carley
January 2, 2015
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to raise you and your family up in prayer. You will be in our thoughts as you lay to rest your hero, Husband, Father & dear friend.
ELDER ERVIN & DIANE JACKSON
January 1, 2015
OUR DEEPEST AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE,TO THE DAWSON AND WASHINGTON FAMILY. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WITH YOU ALL.
Ray and Jodie Thompson
January 1, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Al's family and especially his wife and children. We did not see him often but when we did we were treated like family and we considered him as our family. You will miss you Al and know that you are at peace now. RIP
anita wilson
January 1, 2015
Family sorry I can't be there.My prayer are with you. Be strong in the power of his might.
Marcus & Dali Williams
January 1, 2015
Because he knew the Lord you can have peace in your soul that Jesus Himself welcomed him into eternity. God bless you all.
Josephine Jackson
January 1, 2015
To: The Dawson and Washington family,
I am very sorry about the death of your love one. You have my deepest sympathy
January 1, 2015
I missed my brother, my hero, my love.
Deborah
Brandi Williams
January 1, 2015
Look to the hills for strength. God called an Angel home.
Jerry J
December 31, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this time of sorrow. (1Corinthains 15:26) (Isaiah 61:1,2) Please find peace in knowing that He understands your grief and He cares. 1 Peter 5:6,
December 31, 2014
So sorry for your loss. We all look forward to the day John 5:25 will come true for all the ones we love and lost.
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