CLAUDE DAWSON

DAWSON, Claude J., 83, of Richmond, Va., entered Eternal Life on May 27, 2013. Claude was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and generous friend. He was known for his quick grin, love of a joke, and ability to find fun in most anything and he loved everyone. Claude was creative, enjoyed working with wood, and figuring out how to make things work. Claude was a graduate of Highland Springs High School and The University of Richmond, served in the U.S. Army, and was a member of the CIC and the 82nd Airborne Div. He was a 'lifetime' member of Montrose Presbyterian Church, interrupted by 30 years of active membership of St. John's PE Church, serving on both the Session and Vestry and in the choirs at each. He was past Master and long active in the Masonic Lodge, Varina 272. Claude and Ruth have a musical 'soundtrack' they have been playing for the past seven decades. It has been in the background and the foreground, both vocal and instrumental, and they often share it with others, bringing joy to all; it was a prominent part of Claude's life up until his last day. Claude lived his faith through a lifetime of quiet service to others, but eventually his life became a sermon on patience and living on God's schedule instead of ours. He became a quiet inspiration to all he met. Claude is survived by his wife and soulmate of 60 years, Ruth; his son, Ron Dawson of Elk Park, N.C.; his daughter, Becky Dawson Tweedy and devoted son-in-law, Tom, of Lynchburg; his granddaughter, Corley Tweedy; his loving brothers, Robert Dawson of Holly Springs, N.C., Jerry Dawson and sister-in-law, Patsy Dawson, of Manakin Sabot, Va.; and many loving nieces and nephews. A visitation will be Thursday evening, May 30, at 7, at the Varina Lodge, 1600 Burning Tree Rd., Henrico, Va. 23231. A memorial celebration will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Carlisle Avenue Baptist Church, 2010 Carlisle Ave., Richmond, Va. 23231, preceded by a Masonic Service at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider Montrose Presbyterian Church, 4800 Brittles Ln., Henrico, Va. 23231; or Christian Health Outreach, 1032 Claymont Dr., Lynchburg, Va. 24502. "for all the Saints, who from their labors rest... alleluia"


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.