William "Billy" Shelby Dawson Sr.

William Shelby Dawson, Sr. was born August 24, 1933 in St. Charles, Arkansas, one of six children in the home of Shelby and Marie (Fair) Dawson. Through life he was best known as “Billy” and received formal education at the St. Charles High School. In February 1952 he entered the US Air Force.

Upon completion of his first tour of duty, he volunteered to serve another enlistment of six years. He received training as a mess hall cook at Francis E Warren AFB, Loramie, Wyoming and served overseas in Korea for eleven months. Medals he received during nine years of service included the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Upon receiving an honorable discharge on September 26, 1961 at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, Billy returned to Arkansas County.

During early military life Billy met and fell in love with Edna Ferris. The young couple were married in Minnesota on January 9, 1953 and their home was blessed with six children and later their spouses and the joy of grandchildren. Billy’s working career included farming, construction and as a truck driver. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and often went diving for muscle shells.


He was a member of the American Legion and the St Charles Baptist Church. In the role of husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, he will be remembered for his dedication and love for family. At age 82, Billy passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2015 in DeWitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Shelby and Marie Dawson and five siblings; Bud Dawson, Elizabeth Adams, Laura West, Pat Moon and Sarah George.

Wife of 62 years
Edna Ferris Dawson of Ethel

Sons
William Lynn (Betty) Dawson of Ethel
Jimmy Dale (Vikki) Dawson of Stillwater, OK
Jerry Wesley (Jan) Dawson, William S. "Bill"  (Angela) Dawson, Jr., James "Bud" (Laura) Dawson all of Hamburg

Daughter
Cheryl Ann (Mickey) Johnson of St. Charles

Twenty one grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Memorials:
St. Charles Baptist Church
PO Box 241
St. Charles, AR 72140