Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John C. Dawson, Jr.
John C. Dawson, Jr.
Obituary
Guest Book
John Dawson, Jr. Obituary
John Carlton Dawson, Jr., age 68, of Gulfport, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023.
He was born on August 5, 1954 in Washington, D.C. to John Carlton Dawson and Sarah Dever Dawson and resided in Gulfport for the last 52 years.
After graduating from Gulfport East High School in 1972, he earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law.
John practiced law in Mississippi for more than 40 years and served as city prosecutor for the cities of Gulfport and Diamondhead. Before attending law school, he served as a detective with the Gulfport Police Department.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve, and was a member and past Exalted Ruler of the Gulfport Elks Lodge # 978.
John is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Debbie Walley Dawson; his sister, Lynn Dawson Oakes (David) of Brandon, MS; his nieces, Sarah Oakes of Dallas, TX and Rachel Oakes Vaughn (Jake) of Louisville, KY; his stepson, Trey Walker (Lacy); his step grandchildren, Dylan Walker (Emma), Laiken Walker, Jack Walker, and Brynley Walker; and his step great granddaughter, Oaklynn Walker, all of Red Banks, MS.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John's honor to GCOPS, PO Box 1269, Gulfport, MS 39502.
A memorial service with honors will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Harvest Church, 15523 Landon Road, Gulfport.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
5 Entries
Marie Lizan
July 24, 2023
So sorry to know that you´ve passed away my dear friend. Gods speed and R.I.P. "To thine own self be true"
Philip Stachura
July 19, 2023
John practiced law with my sister, Laurie Caldwell, for some years and we would often meet for a few cocktails, after work. He was always very upbeat and great to be around. I remember a time that he and I went to Florida,visiting his relatives, and we got totally sunburned. I introduced him to the benefits of aloe Vera to quell the pain. The video was a wonderful portrayal of his life!
Teri Miles
July 15, 2023
I am truly heartbroken. John was an incredible man that I was proud to call my friend!
He had a passion for the law which was infectious to those around him. Our loss is most certainly Heaven´s gain!
John will be deeply missed by all of us lucky enough to call him our friend.
John leaves behind a legacy of professional excellence, compassion, and his trademark wit and sense of humor! Sure gonna miss you! God bless!
Darrell Hughes
July 11, 2023
Long time friend, Brother in Blue!
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The Staff of Riemann Family Funeral Homes
July 7, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in John Dawson, Jr.'s name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Dawson, Jr.'s life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
