Clifford Henry Dawson

clifford  dawson

March 27, 1915 ~ April 11, 2020

Born in: Argos, IN
Resided in: Whispering Pines, North Carolina

Clifford Henry Dawson passed away on April 11, 2020 and was born on March 27, 1915 on a farm south of Argos, IN to Harley Theodore Dawson and Clara Krouse Dawson. He attended schools in Argos graduating from Argos High School in 1932.

Cliff graduated from Indiana University in 1936 with an BA degree in mathematics and physics and was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and ordered to Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY. From there he worked for the CCC at Palmroy and Dayton, WA and Weiser, ID in drainage and soil conservation.

He met Juanita Rose Wilson on a blind date in Cheyenne, WY and they were married on July 18, 1937 in Brazil, IN.

Clifford spent 30 years in the military service at various posts retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1966. He served during World War II in Italy with the 1st Armored Division as part of the liberation forces and then in Germany in the occupation forces from 1946 until 1948.

During his final assignment at Ft. Belvoir, VA he earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Education from American University. He retired to Whispering Pines, NC and taught mathematics at Southern Pines High School and then at Union Pines High School until 1980. While at Union Pines Cliff was the golf coach and a sponsor for the National Honor Society.

After retiring from teaching he started working for H&R Block part-time and teaching tax classes until age 90.

Cliff was a member of Whispering Pines Country Club for 45 years and their Club Champion in 1969. He and Frank Claussen were honored in 2010 with a tournament named after them- the Claussen Dawson Cup. Golf was his hobby and passion and he continued to play golf until age 95. He also served on the Whispering Pines Council after it became a village.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Juanita and son Larry Carl Dawson. He is survived by his children: Suzanne Taylor (Robert) of Longmont, CO; Donna Dawson of Clarksville, VA and David Dawson (Christine) of Aurora, CO ; daughter-in-law JoAnn Dawson of Lakeland, FL; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Sandy Ridge Memory Care and Clifford’s long time caregivers for their excellent care in these later years.

Burial will be at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC. A celebration of life will be held at a future time.

 

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  1. Col. Dawson was a great teacher but an even funnier person. I interrupted his class to get one of my brothers to be measured for a tuxedo for my wedding. “You pregnant?” was his only question. I laughed, said “No” and he went on with his class. I often bumped into him when I went back to college and worked as a caregiver. He was always in the center of a group: happy, turning his head down and sort of looking at you sideways just before he would say or ask something totally off the wall! I am very glad he decided to teach after leaving the military and very sorry to hear of his passing. David you are in my prayers.

  2. Col. Dawson taught my senior math class at East Southern Pines High School. He was a great teacher, a very kind (and also funny) man, and had a forthrightness and joy in life that is easy to remember 50 years later. I want to offer condolences to all who love him and to add what an honor it was to know and to learn from him. RIP, sir.

  3. Col. Dawson was my math teacher as a junior & senior at East Southern Pines High School- he had a very unique ability to connect with his students- what I learned from him, both life lessons of humor and humility along with the math, set me up well for the future. I am so grateful to you, Sir. May you rest in peace.

  4. Cliff worked for my mother Patsy Pegram Starling at H&R Block for years. He was a delightful character and was always a true friend to our family. He was one of a kind and he will be missed.

  5. I was never fortunate enough to have LTC Dawson as a teacher although he was at UPHS while I was there, I knew him from the halls in school, the father of David, and a wonderful customer at Matthews Market. He was a funny, bright, wonderful man. Thank you for your service to our country! What a life!!! 105!! RIP sir, you deserve it. My prayers to the family.

  6. David and family,
    I am so sorry you have lost this wonderful man. Sending sincere sympathy. Linda

  7. I remember Cliff and Juanita Dawson from many years ago. They were good friends of my parents, Jane and Andy Bridgeman in the early days of Whispering Pines. Both families lived on Spring Valley Lake and visited often via boating across the lake.

    Clifford worked for a time with H&R block and helped me with my income tax returns when my dad ‘aged out’ and referred me to his friend.

    There is joy in heaven with the Good Friends together again!

  8. David & family,
    I last saw your dad maybe 10 yrs ago at the clinic in Pinehurst with one of his caregivers. It was wonderful to see & chat with him. He’s a definite fixture in my Union Pines memories. And I can still see your mom & dad and my mom sitting on the top bleachers at 4 years of basketball games! What great memories and wonderful folks both your parents were. We were all quite fortunate to have them in our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you & the family. I’ve seen many wonderful posts on Facebook so be sure to search those out as well.

  9. To the family: I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Dawson, as I knew him, was a great man. I graduated from Union Pines in 1978 and had the privilege of studying under Mr. Dawson 3 out of the 4 years I attended. I have spoken of him often. He was and will always remain my favorite teacher. I owe my whole career as a Quality Technician/Programmer to this man. He taught me math equations that I used to think, where in the world will I ever use this kind of math. And now, I use it almost daily. He made math so much fun. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mr. Dawson.

  10. Col. Dawson, was my math teacher for 2 years at East Southern Pines High School. He was a great teacher and cared about his students. I guess we were his first students after he retired from his military life. I saw him several times over the years the last 2 times he was at Fox Hollow. The first time I was with a group of student-athletes sing Christmas Carols, we had a nice conversation. The last time he did remember a lot.
    Col. Dawson was a special man. May he rest in peace.

  11. I had Col. Dawson for Geometry as a Junior at East Southern Pines High School. He was a great teacher, I was a poor student, but that did not stop us from becoming friends. He helped me get through math class while a student at Elon College. While going to him as an Elon Student I got to know Juanita, what a gem of a wife he had. The 3 of us remained life long friends. The ironic thing was that our three birthdays were within 3 days of each other with Col. D’s the day before mine.
    The last time I saw both of them was at the Church, they were working on the Rummage Sale and I was visiting my mother. I had moved out of town and was visiting. I was always so thrilled to see the two of them, and the feeling was mutual. I kept in touch with him via email for a while, but then lost contact with him. I recently found out where he was and was so happy that he was alive and well. I though of him on his birthday, wishing him a happy birthday as I always do in my heart. I will always love Col. Dawson and will always miss him. Until we meet again, Col.D! Rest In Peace!!!!

  12. Dear David, my thoughts & prayers are for you and your family. Heaven gained a remarkable man! Col. Dawson was a delight to all who knew him and was an excellent teacher & role model for students. What a blessing to have known him. He never met a stranger. He always had some sort of a response to every inquiry. Thank you Col. Dawson for your service and for gracing Moore County, Union Pines with further service.
    David, God bless you!

  13. Col. Dawson was my math teacher my freshmen year at UPHS. I remember his quick wit, smile and patients with me. He has truly remained one of my favorite teachers. David and family I am so sorry for your loss. I thank him for his service and pray for comfort for each of you.


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