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BORN
1930
DIED
2022
Charles Dawkins Obituary
June 29, 1930 - April 15, 2022
West Columbia, South Carolina - The Reverend Charles B. Dawkins, known by many as "PD" and by his grand and great grandchildren as "Papa," died on Good Friday, April 15th, 2022, at age 91. Pastor Dawkins was a resident of West Columbia, and he is survived by his wife Betty Frierson Dawkins, and their daughters Debra Louise (Walt) Steading and Donna Dawkins (Hank) Ray, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Son David Lee Dawkins predeceased him.
Pastor Dawkins graduated from Newberry College and then attended the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, accepting a call to serve in Japan in 1954. Over the 16 years as missionaries, Charles and Betty lived in Tokyo, and then in Kumamoto, and finally in Yokohama, Japan. While on the one-year expected furloughs, he served in parish ministry in various locations in South Carolina. The family relocated to the United States in 1970, where he served at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Little Mountain until 1976 and subsequently at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Lexington, engaging in interfaith community service organizing efforts and in prison ministry. Following certification in clinical pastoral education, he took a position with the Kiva program at the state hospital in the Department of Mental Health. After retirement he enjoyed many years of supply ministry within the SC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and with Kairos prison ministry.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, April 23rd at 4:00 pm at Saint Andrews Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Road in Columbia, South Carolina. The family will accept visitors at the church at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission Lexington or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Dawkins
Gloria Ishida
May 11, 2022
Betty dear, today, May 12 was our wedding anniversary of 65 years but Yoshiro died coming up seven years ago. Remembering Charles, who preached the wedding homily, as I looked at the photo of the wedding party. I went to ELCA look ups, but no Charles, so I googled and found this. Oh Betty, I know you will miss Charles so much as I miss Yoshiro. You were both such good and caring friends from my arrival in Japan and staying with you in Tokyo and then in Kumamoto. Blessings and love to you.
Sam Stone
April 22, 2022
To Betty, Donna and all the family. So sorry to hear of Charles' death. He was a dear friend and one of the biggest influences on my life. I remember once when I was telling him about some problems I was having he said, well You're almost human! Peace be with you all, and again my heart felt condolences.
Robin W Bowers
April 21, 2022
Our sympathy and prayers are with Rev. Dawkins family during this difficult time.
Rev. Dawkins vision of Lexington Interfaith Community Services (now Mission Lexington) has flourished since it's inception and will be celebrating 44 years this year.
He has blessed many he never met and leaves behind a Godly legacy. We are grateful.
Sonja Edwards Carnaggio
April 18, 2022
I remember long ago summers spent with David, Debra and my sweet friend Donna at Pine Island and in their parsonage home. Youth group activities and the warmth and love of Pastor Charles & Mrs. Betty remain some of my fondest childhood memories. I am holding you all in my prayers as you transition to life here without him. What a good and faithful servant he was and he made a difference in many lives. Love to you all.
Tom
April 18, 2022
I'm a better person for having known you, Charles Dawkins. God bless you and thank you.
Neel & Alice McSwain
April 18, 2022
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of such a man as Charles. He meant so much to our family over the years. He was very special to and provided great care and comfort to my mother Julia Faye (Charles´ first cousin) during trying times in her life. In times of need Charles was there. We thank God for the life of Charles and pray for his family.
Donna Peele, Director of Pastoral Care, LMC
April 18, 2022
We appreciate the life of Rev Dawkins and his love for people. Lexington Medical Center was on his list of ways to serve a community as he shared with patients and staff in the early days of the hospital's life. Thank you for sharing him with people who needed him and we know that his worked was rewarded in glory. We pray peace and comfort for the family who was blessed to be loved by this special man and to see faith in action. Peace to you.
Becki McSwain
April 18, 2022
Dear Aunt Betty, Donna, Debra & families. Even though I was expecting it, knowing he´s gone is so heart breaking. He was truly a good man, not only serving the Lord but also being at the beck-and-call of his entire Dawkins kinfolks. I am sure he is continuing his service in Heaven with David , Aunt Bess & Uncle Ray & my mom (Julia). Sending you prayers of gratitude for all the time & love you allowed him to share with others. Please know I am keeping you close in spirit.
Dab Dent
April 18, 2022
I was blessed to have known Charles for many years through the Kairos ministry. He was an inspiration, and I will miss him. May you feel the Lord's arms around you as He holds you.
Clarence moore
April 18, 2022
I give thanks to the almighty God for allowing me to fellowship with my Brother Charles through kairos ministry. That Godly smile I will see again.
Eugene Burrus
April 18, 2022
To all of the family:
Uplifting you all in the coming days. Bro. Charles has finished the race and has received his crown of righteousness from our Savior. He is now a part of that vast cloud of witnesses awaiting His return.
Teresa Frick-Portwood
April 18, 2022
Dawkins Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. I appreciate all the time Pastor Dawkins spent with the youth at Holy Trinity. He taught us valuable lessons and treated us with respect.
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