Earl Cornelius Dawson age 98 passed away Friday Oct.21, 2016 at Blue Ridge Manor in Martinsville. He was born Oct. 5, 1918 in Hurt VA to the late John William and Lillie Vaughn Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Lucille Lynch Dawson, and three sisters, Catherine Pilson, Margaret Bennett, and Madelin Elgin.

Mr. Dawson was of the Baptist faith, and had served in the US Army during World War II, where he advanced to the rank of SGT. He retired from DuPont with 29 years of service.

He is survived by two sons and daughter in laws, Gary and Kathy Dawson of Richmond, and Ricky and Susan Dawson of Bassett, one brother, Joseph Dawson of Woolwine, two sisters, Ruth Morrison of Woolwine, and Doris Atkins of Salem, three grandchildren, Benjamin Dawson, Sarah Powers and husband James, and Micki Dawson.

The funeral service will be Monday Oct.24, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the Roselawn Chapel with J. Thaddeus F. Christian officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mr. Dawson should be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 18981 Jeb Stuart Hwy, Stuart VA 24171. Online condolences may be entered at www.roselawnchapelfuneralhome.com.