On October 10, 2020, William "Jere" Dawson passed peacefully into heaven at his home in Houston, Texas.  His soulmate and wife of 54 years, Pam, was by his side. Jere was 74 years old and for the past several years had struggled with Parkinson's and Dementia.

He graduated from Messick High School in Memphis and attended Memphis State University and ultimately received his degree through Akzo Nobel.  At his retirement, he was one of only five technical coating advisors in the country.

Jere loved the Lord, his life, his family and many, many friends.  He was an avid reader and a student of the bible.  He enjoyed many hobbies like collecting Civil War books, ink wells, fountain pens and pocket knives.  He was a member of Spring Baptist Church.  Jere had many interests that included memberships in the Gideons, Colorado Springs Sertoma Club, CSI, Nace and the Masons. He will truly be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his parents William Dawson and Eunice Thompson Dawson, both of Memphis, TN.  Jere is survived by his wife Pamela Bumgardner Dawson; son, John and his wife Kyong of Clarksville, TN; son, Bryan of Sugarland, TX; and five cherished grandchildren, John, Shannon, Amara, Jordan and Iman.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Memorial Garden Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, on Saturday, June 5, 2021.  The eulogy will be delivered by his son, John Dawson.

Donations in Jere's memory may be made toward the charities that fund research into Parkinson's and Dementia.

Psalm 23

1) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.  3) He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.