Purvis L. Dawson Sr.

Purvis L. Dawson, Sr. Purvis was born in Alexandria, VA on June 27, 1936. His parents as well as numerous relatives were native Virginians; Virginia would be home to the Dawson's, Zehrings, and Spinks Families for years to come. Purvis was raised in the Alexandria Section of Fairfax County. He became a Newspaper Carrier at an early age. Purvis attended Mount Vernon High School and was a member of the Class of 1955. Throughout Purvis' teen years he continued delivering newspapers to support his habit of "nice cars" and "cruising" with his friends when he was not delivering newspapers and/or working at the Grand Union Food Store in Belle View. Purvis held several professions during his adult life; these included working as the Diary Manager for Grand Union; a Route Distributor for the Washington Post Newspaper; a Route Supervisor (Lead Bus Driver) for the Fairfax County Public School System; a Mobile Lounge Driver for the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority and his most recent career at Wal-Mart in Springhill, Florida. Purvis was still working at the time of his recent illness. Purvis Dawson is the father of Larry Pierce, Purvis Dawson, Jr., Debra Dawson, Michael Dawson and Lisa Dawson. He is a proud Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Purvis was married to two wonderful ladies; both the love of his life; Purvis was married to Barbara Dawson until their divorce; although no longer together, they remained friends. He married Emma Lucille Allen a few years ago; she proceeded him in death this past December, 2012. Purvis migrated to Florida in the Mid-Nineteen Nineties; he resided in Springhill, Florida. This was his new proclaimed "home." Although retired from several professions, Purvis just had to work. He once again took up delivering newspapers as a local carrier for the Hernando Times and Tampa Tribune. He ultimately gave up the newspaper business and joined the Wal-Mart Family. Purvis stocked shelves for just under (6) years on the Mid-Night Shift; working (4) nights a week from 10 pm to 7 am. This employment brought to him great happiness and joy; but also new friends that he considered "family." Purvis had numerous health challenges since 2002; he fought a valiant battle with chronic heart disease. He overcame numerous life threatening surgeries - beating the odds each time. However, during the early morning hours of June 8th several friends were at his bedside as he finished life's race; GOD saw fit to have Purvis cross the finish line and said, "we'll done my faithful son, you have persevered long enough; it's time to rest and come home." His "adopted brother" JC and his wife - Judy, along with Purvis, Jr.'s best friend Tim Scott, and his Step-Daughter, Debbie Smith, were at his bedside as he took his final breaths and went home to be with the LORD. He was at peace and slipped off until eternity; he suffers no more. Purvis had a strong belief in Jesus Christ; although his life was not perfect; he loved his LORD; for Christ looks past our frailties and weaknesses when we ask for forgiveness and believe in the Father. Purvis came to have a personal relationship in Christ at an early age. He made each of his children "go to church" - regardless if they wanted to or not. He laid the foundation so that they too could rest in the arms of Jesus Christ. Purvis' smile and flirtatious ways remained until his passing. He enjoyed the fellowship and passion displayed by the staff at Oak Hill Hospital. Since February, Purvis was their patient and in their care more than he was at his beloved home overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Although in pain; he loved his new found "friends" at Oak Hill. They all seemed to gravitate to his room; even if he was not their patient for a particular shift. Purvis had the utmost respect for all of his caregivers; he never forgot to "thank" each one of them for caring for him, even when he was caught violating their "directives" by sneaking in food and trying to "get out of bed" on his own - so not to disturb them. Purvis Dawson will always be remembered by his boyish smile; his flirtatious style; his willingness to long hard hours; but most of all - his willingness to provide for others; which at times, meant neglecting himself or doing without. Purvis' challenge to each of you that read this is as follows: earn your paycheck - and provide your employer with the best you can give; love your family and friends; but most of all; Love The Lord. For only GOD knows your appointed hour ... Live life to the fullest and learn to forgive. For Purvis, this was a work in progress - as it should be for each of us - everyday.