Mr. Ralph William Dawe III

Ralph William Dawe III, beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend, passed away surrounded by family who loved him beyond measure. He was 67 years old. Born on September 10, 1957, in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Ralph was the youngest of three children born to Irene DeMello Dawe and Ralph William Dawe Jr. He grew up in Kaneohe alongside his sisters, Debbie Dawe Hauanio (Wallace "Moke" Hauanio), Christine Dawe Opiopio (Victor "Krash Kealoha" Opiopio), and half-brother "Eddie Boy" Wassman. His childhood was filled with the beauty of island life and the strong values of family, hard work, and loyalty that would guide him throughout his life. Ralph's life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Roxanne, at a horse ranch called Camp Olomana. They spent countless days riding horses, caring for animals, and building a love as steady and enduring as the mountains surrounding them. The two were married on September 13, 1980, beginning a marriage defined by devotion, adventure, and laughter. Together they raised four children: Ralph William Dawe IV (Brooklynn Dawe); Chantel Marie Kau'ionalani; Denise Lynne Leilokelani; and Taylor Pomahina (Clint Sebring). Ralph poured his whole heart into being a father, and later, a grandfather to his treasured grandchildren: Jayli, Liana, Khaila, Bryson, Leila, Kaitlyn, Ryder, Jude, Lexi, and Emilia. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and nothing lit up his face more than their hugs, laughter, and accomplishments. In 1988, Ralph and his young family moved to Scottsboro, Alabama-a place he would come to call home. He dedicated 31 years to the Scottsboro Police Department, serving with honor, integrity, and fairness. For approximately 13 of those years, he held the position of Police Chief, earning the respect and trust of the entire community. Though he wasn't born there, Ralph became a deeply rooted part of Scottsboro, known for his leadership, honesty, and unwavering moral compass. Outside of his work, Ralph lived a life full of adventure and love. Family vacations took them across the country-to Hawai'i, Boston, Disney World, Six Flags, Orange Beach, and beyond. He and Roxanne also enjoyed their own travels, whether it was gambling in Las Vegas, visiting with family in Boston, soaking in the beauty of Lake Tahoe, or simply enjoying quiet moments together. Ralph had a lifelong passion for cars, rebuilding a 1970 GTO and painting it a striking candy apple red-a car that won awards at numerous shows. He was also an animal lover through and through, caring for horses, dogs, cats, and just about any creature that crossed his path. Above all, Ralph's life was built on a foundation of family. He worked hard, loved deeply, and always put the needs of those he loved before his own. He taught by example-to do the right thing, to stand up for what you believe in, and to never waver when it comes to those you love. Ralph is survived by his wife, Roxanne; his children Ralph IV (Brooklynn), Chantel, Denise, and Taylor (Clint); his cherished grandchildren; his sisters Debbie and Christine; and countless extended family and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Ralph Jr., and half brother "Eddie Boy" Wassman. His life was a testament to integrity, love, and service. Though he is gone from our sight, his legacy will live on in the values he instilled, the stories he shared, and the love he poured into everyone around him. A memorial service honoring Ralph's life will be held at Scottsboro Funeral Home located 1502 County Park Road Scottsboro, AL 35769 on August 30, 2025, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sadye's Fund and St. Jude's Childhood Cancer.