Kenneth Dawson

Kenneth Dewey Dawson, a retired U.S. Army Engineer and beloved “Granddaddy”, passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA.

Ken is survived by his son, Jeff Dawson (Julie); daughter, Karen Higgason (Rusty); grandchildren; Kelsey Persinger (Kendall), Megan Causer (Martin), Harley Kennedy (Clint), Ainsley Dawson, Ryder Dawson, Macey Higgason, and Kadyn Higgason; great-grandson, Kellan Persinger; his former wife, Edith Dawson; sister, Carolyn Mercer (Clifton); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; lastly, and arguably his favorite companion, his Yorkie Hubert Dawson otherwise known as “Huey” who went with Ken everywhere. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Dawson and mother, Elizabeth Sykes.

Ken was born August 26,1948 in Jacksonville, North Carolina and grew up on the coast of North Carolina fishing, crabbing, and surfing. He attended Swansboro High. He served 22 years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Germany, Alaska, Fort Campbell, KY and South Korea. He attained the rank of First Sergeant, and his final assignment was with the 92nd Engineer Battalion (Black Diamonds) at Fort Stewart. After retiring from active-duty Ken continued to serve the Army as a civil servant with the Fort Stewart Directorate of Public Works.

Ken was a long time and very active member of the Masonic Lodge and The American Legion. He was also an avid football fan, some might even say “fanatic”, and anyone who knew him knew he loved the Georgia Bulldogs. In fact, he rarely wore a shirt without the “G” emblem. If he wasn’t at home watching football or reruns of Bonanza or Gunsmoke, you could count on Ken being on the sidelines at one of his grandkids’ sporting events. He was without a doubt their greatest supporter, attending nearly every home game. He made his presence known with his loud cheering (and occasional arguments with the refs over bad calls). Ken devoted the majority of his retirement years to his family, fishing/crabbing, four-wheeler riding, and going on cruises. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Carter Funeral Home. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 8819 U.S. Highway 301, Glennville, GA 30427.

Friends and family are asked to wear red, black, or white (Georgia Attire) in honor of our favorite Georgia fan, Ken Dawson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Long County High School Athletic Department, 1844 GA Highway 57, Ludowici, GA 31316. 

To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.carteroglethorpe.com.