William Parr “Bill” Dawson, beloved husband of Dorothy and father of Cindy, Mark (wife, Cynthia), and Matt and devoted grandfather of Joshua, Jason, Patrick and Amanda, and cherished great-grandfather of Jaelynn, Madison and Abigail, passed away at his home into his heavenly father’s arms on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017. He was 86 years old. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery in Byers. Bill was born in Houston on July 13, 1930, to Walter and Georgia Branch Dawson, who are with him again in eternal peace. Bill was a sweet, kind, generous, strong, caring and loving person. All who met him knew of his integrity and character. He was a loving, devoted and faithful husband to his wife, Dorothy, of 63 years. He was a wonderful father and an amazing provider for his family.  He loved the Lord, his wife, his family and his country faithfully. He was a true patriot and always did the right thing, even when no one was around. He proudly served his country in the Air Force, his church as a deacon and his family as the spiritual leader. Bill Dawson was a truly great man who will be missed by so many friends and family and by the people whose lives he touched.  As believers we rest in the comfort and knowledge of knowing that he is in no pain, has a perfect body and has entered the very gates of Heaven praising his savior forevermore.  Survivors include his loving wife Dorothy, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with his sister, Karla Hoke Gamble, and numerous nieces and nephews.