Pastor Henry L. Dawson

01/14/1946 - 06/21/2025

Pastor Henry L. Dawson, 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Pastor Dawson was born to Walter E. and Annie Ruth Dawson on January 14, 1946 in Auburn, AL. His family called him Sweetin because of his kind nature. He spent his entire life living on the same land his grandfather farmed. He told many stories of his childhood with his brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy. Henry and Patsy married December 9, 1964. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. He was so happy to go and buy her red roses to celebrate their love and devotion to each other.

He is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Dawson and James (Pat) Dawson. In addition, he had a beloved sister-in-law, Glenda, who was always willing to help with anything he needed. He was loved by all his family and friends, including his church family.

Henry and Patsy raised four children together, Thomas Dawson (Kandi), Sandra Dawson Black (Jimmy), Amanda Dawson and Jessica Dawson. Their grandchildren are Christopher Black (Rebecca), Hannah Dawson Scott, Katelyn Black Switzer (Kyle), Aaron Tyson, Jacob Wiles and Liam Tyson. Their great-grandchildren are Wesley and Addison Scott, Casey and Ellie Black and Luke Switzer. He gave every child a special nickname.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bob and Bill Dawson. Also his beloved grandmother Sara Amanda Dawson and his grandfather Walter M. Dawson.

In addition to being a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, his first love was always serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dawson began preaching in 1968. He founded Grace Baptist Church in 1980 and served as its Pastor, with his last sermon being on June 15, Father's Day. He preached on the importance of a father standing in the gap for his family. He listened to his children tell him how much they loved him and how thankful they were he led them to the Lord. He lived what he preached and the impact he had on his family will be felt for many generations to come. He was a man of God who never compromised his faith and beliefs. Pastor Dawson had a passion for leading lost souls to Jesus Christ. In fact, every one he met he would ask, "Are you going to heaven?" And then he would tell them how to be saved. He loved the Lord, he loved his family and he will truly be missed. He is walking on streets of gold and sitting at his savior's feet. We have the promise of God that we will meet again and what a day that will be!

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 25 from 5-7 pm at Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 26, 2:00 pm at Grace Baptist Church, 6393 Lee Road 54, Auburn, AL. The church will be open three hours before the service. Officiating will be Pastor Steven Waldrep and Tommy Dawson.

Graveside service to immediately follow at Dawson Pine-Knot Cemetery.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.