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Retired CSM Rufus Franklin Dawkins
Retired CSM Rufus Franklin Dawkins
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Retired CSM Rufus Franklin Dawkins Obituary
Retired CSM Rufus Franklin Dawkins was born on August 18, 1951, in Gaffney, South Carolina to Ned Dawkins Jr. and Eulesea Emma Mack. He passed away July 8, 2017, at his residence.
Retired CSM Dawkins graduated from Gaffney High School, class of 1969. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1971 and retired in 1997. While serving his country he received the following awards: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Star (BBS), Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon number 4, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (3rd award), Kuwait Liberation Medal (K), Kuwait Liberation Medal (SA) Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar.
His education includes: LaSalle University with a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management, Bachelor of Science Degree, University of Maryland, Physiology and Sociology, Applied Associated Degree, Central Texas College, Law Enforcement, Applied Associated Degree El Paso Community College, Business Administration.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Meriam Maputy Dawkins of Killeen, TX; children, Donna Denise Dawkins Jones and Darryl Posey Dawkins both of Columbia, S.C.; grandchildren, Darrius Marquese Dawkins, Aaliyah Denise Jones and Shaniya Dawkins all of Columbia, S.C.; sisters, Lula Mae Fair, Martha Watkins, Flora Dawkins all of Gaffney S.C. and Gwendolyn Dawkins of Spartanburg, S.C.; brothers, Lee Wayne Dawkins, Eddie R. Dawkins both Gaffney, S.C. and Everette L. Dawkins of Spartanburg S.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ned Dawkins Jr. and Eulesea Emma Mack and brother, Thomas Jones Green.
Donna Jones
July 8, 2025
Dad,
July 8th forever changed my life. God gave you your wings. You are forever no longer in pain and suffering from that dreadful disease Cancer. Tomorrow we will be celebrating the life of your brother PeeWee as you know. I know that he is with you, Big Mama, and Uncle TJ. He is no longer in pain and Cancer is no longer taking over his body. I miss you so much. Uncle Earle sent Aunt Gwen and I a picture of me and you on the coach together when I was a baby. You and I had the biggest smiles on our faces. You had put your Drill Sergeant hat on my head which swallowed my little head. Seeing that picture instantly made tears roll down my face. Lord I miss you so much! I love you!❤
Donna Dawkins Jones
June 15, 2025
Happy Father’s Day to my Dad! I go to this page because it’s dedicated to only you. There is not a day that I don’t think about you or see something that reminds me of you. You will very be my Superman! I love you and miss you to the depth of my soul.
Donna Jones
July 7, 2024
Lord knows I wish I could turn back the hands of time. If I could, I would definitely change it back to the time you were here cancer-free. People keep telling me that it will be easier as time moves on, but it has not. I miss you so much that it hurts. That night when we heard you laugh after you passed on, I realized that you are no longer in pain. I love you Dad RIH.
Donna Jones
July 9, 2022
My dad taught me everything I know except how to live without him. Missing my dad I love you.
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Rodney Ozley
March 30, 2020
CSM Dawkins, was one of the finest men I ever met in my life. Tough but fair. He would fight for you every step of the way. He took me and my family in as his own. He guided and mentor me as leader, friend, and father figure. He loved my children. He helped my wife get into school (GED) and then helped her get into college. I miss him still.
Rodney
Donna Dawkins-Jones
July 8, 2019
"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
John 14:18
I can't believe that it has been two years that you have taken your place in heaven. My world seemed liked it ended that morning. My heart was hurting so bad because my Father, who I love and cherished was gone. Dad you was the heartbeat of our family and without you I feel loss at times. But when I do look at your picture and I can hear your encouraging words of wisdom. I miss the talks... walks...dinners...outings together....I miss you and I love you Dad! RIH
Joy De jesus
July 8, 2018
Happy death anniversary daddy Rufus,
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" 2 Corinthians
youre always be my Hero!
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that's why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught me the game and you taught me how to play it right. And you said Im smart and wise , thanks to you daddy you make me become one!
God bless you daddy may you Rest In Peace
I love ❤ you Forever in my heart!
Joy de Jesus
Henry Vance
August 2, 2017
Rufus, RIP warrior brother! You were a superb warrior and dear friend that I will remember forever. I'll see you on Fiddlers Green, it was a privilege to have served with you.
Twiana Palmer
July 31, 2017
I love u Uncle Sonny & I will miss u Rest In Peace
Lavern Dawkins
July 31, 2017
Rufus Rest In Peace we will always love you.And most of all you will be in my heart as the cousin I grew up with Lavern (Jean) . With much love The Tate and Dawkins Family
Paul Certeza
July 31, 2017
RIP Sir......
Angelo Aviles
July 30, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Dawkins family. I had the honor to work for Mr. Dawkins on the CREW program. RIP my friend!
Benjamin Berry
July 29, 2017
Rufus thank you for great leadership role you showed me. You will truly be missed. You are going home. God bless you and my prayers be with your family.
Walter Walter
July 28, 2017
He heals the Brokenhearted and binds up their wound . Psalm 147.3 Nothing is small if God accepts it .
Derek Sheppard
July 27, 2017
Rufus thank you for all the words of wisdom and taking the time to help others. God bless you.
Louise Smith
July 27, 2017
Uncle Rufus,
I only knew you for a moment in life ( the warlock program) During that time you were a great leader. Fair, honest (brutally) caring but stern. I hope the other side is peaceful, pain free and exciting. I mean you found adventure always so I'm certain you won't ever be without it.
Louise Smith
July 27, 2017
Uncle Rufus,
You were a great leader. Remembered as fair, caring and stern. I hope the other side is peaceful, pain free and exciting but seeing as you always found adventure I think it will be.
Until we meet again
Sally Morni
July 27, 2017
Sincere condolences to the immediate beloved family. Rufus was a one of a kind Leader. He loved the Army as much as he loved his beloved family. God's blessings to the family, prayers. RIP. You will definitely be missed.
James Butler
July 27, 2017
Thanks for all the good times and guidance you provided me while working at CSC. Rufus you will be truly missed. I will keep your family in my prays...
Freddie ( and family) Posey
July 26, 2017
We are sorry the loss of a good friend,who was also like a brother to us ,Rufus will be deeply missed and our prayers to the family.May God bless you And your family our prayers are with you and we love you.
Freddie Posey and family
Harold Lewis
July 26, 2017
I served with Rufus, both of us Command Sergeants Major, we went to field, to National Training Center, we laughed, cried, hugged each other...Rufus was, the finest that could ever be....Words cannot begin to express the love, and devotion that Rufus gave every day, Rufus...I miss you. Your friend..forever..Harold E. Lewis CSM (Retired)
July 25, 2017
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Jean Nobles
Kiptena Dawkins
July 25, 2017
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" 2 Corinthians 5:8 Rest well Uncle knowing that your job here on earth was done. We love you but God loved and needed you more. I promise to take care of mama all the days of our life. Kiss Bigmama for me!! Until we meet again!!! Love you, Kip Bug
Tyrone Gardner
July 24, 2017
Thanks for all the memories throughout our time in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. You took me under your wings and I will never forget all the unselfishness you've always shown.
I thank God for you,
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3100 South Old FM 440 Rd, Killeen, TX 76549
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