William Ellis "Bill" Dawson Jr.

William Ellis "Bill" Dawson Jr., 80, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend, Bill lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.
Born on December 27, 1944, in Carthage, Missouri, Bill was the son of Iona Elizabeth Dawson and William Ellis Dawson. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Thomas David, and grandsons Daniel and Oliver. He was a proud graduate of Southwest Missouri State University, where he earned dual bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and was instrumental in starting the Sigma Nu fraternity at SMSU. His sharp mind and steady demeanor made him a natural problem solver and a lifelong learner.
Bill retired from Springfield Public Schools, where he served as the Coordinator of Building Services. In that role, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the district's facilities ran safely and efficiently. He was respected as a hard-working, dedicated professional-a man who approached his responsibilities with quiet precision and purpose.
His work, however, extended far beyond his job title. Bill was a natural teacher and mentor. He regularly tutored his children, their friends, and neighborhood kids in math, science, and life skills. He believed in the potential of others and encouraged everyone around him to follow their dreams and never give up. He was deeply proud of the accomplishments of his family and took joy in celebrating their successes.
A self-proclaimed handyman, Bill was always the first to show up when something needed fixing-whether it was a leaky faucet, a broken fence, or a car that wouldn't start. He lovingly restored a 1937 Ford Pickup from the ground up, and his passion for classic cars, hotrods, and NASCAR was contagious. He taught countless friends and family members how to care for their vehicles, never turning down a chance to share his knowledge.
Bill had a deep love for sports, faithfully cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also cherished family travels to Colorado, Florida, and Mexico, creating memories that will live on in the stories shared by his loved ones.
He supported his wife's nonprofit work serving the homeless in the Springfield area and championed the causes she cared about. He had a tender heart for animals and contributed to local rescue organizations, extending his kindness to all living things.
Bill married Suzanne Ewing, and they had two children: Becky and Jay. He married Julie Overend in 1984, his wife of 41 years, and together they had two sons: Robert and Michael. He adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them, whether playing in the yard, sharing stories, or offering quiet guidance.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Julie, of the home; his children Jay Dawson (Tiffany), Becky Dawson Lindberg (Bill), Robert Dawson (Alex), and Michael Dawson (Cassie); his grandchildren, Alex and Savannah Dawson and Will and Maggie Dawson; and a host of amazing nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family who he loved dearly.
Those who knew Bill will remember him as kind-hearted, generous, and deeply loving. He didn't seek the spotlight, but his presence was always felt-reliable, steady, and full of quiet wisdom. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and the kind of love that shows up, stays late, and never stops giving.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a graveside service at Hazelwood Cemetery immediately afterward.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to one of the many amazing local nonprofit organizations that provide services to animals in need-a mission that was close to Bill's heart.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pam, his caregiver, and to the compassionate team at Phoenix Hospice-especially Susan, Maddy, and Lindsey-for their exceptional care, kindness, and support during his final days.