Mr. William Dawson Graves, IV's Obituary
Dawson Graves
November 14, 1961 – August 13, 2020
William Dawson Graves, IV (Dawson), age 58, died quietly in his home in Columbus, Georgia.
Dawson graduated from Benjamin Russell High School in 1980, where he was a gifted athlete and talented football player. He attended Auburn University where he majored in Building Science and was an active member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
After college, Dawson worked in the construction business and built his parents’ beautiful home in Alexander City, giving much care to every detail. Later, Dawson moved to Columbus, Georgia where he owned and operated a moving company, Golden Transfer for 20 years. Upon purchasing Golden Transfer, Dawson redesigned the logo to represent the golden eagle mascot of his alma mater, Auburn University. War Eagle.
Dawson loved all things about food. Before retiring from Golden Transfer, he converted his entire backyard into a vegetable garden where he experimented with dozens of varieties of tomatoes and multiple other southern vegetables.
In addition to his garden and cooking, Dawson enjoyed playing bridge. He was named American Contract Bridge League’s “Rookie of the Year” for the state of Georgia.
Dawson’s main two companions were the “boys”, Paco and Del Ray, his little Chihuahuas. When he first got them as puppies, he took them with him everywhere he went- in a five gallon bucket!
In addition to his dog ‘babies’, Uncle Dawson dearly loved his nephew and nieces, taking great pride in their many accomplishments, and much joy in their fun and lively spirits.
Dawson was preceded in death by his father, William Dawson Graves, III (Bill) and his mother, Martha Graves Duffee.
He is survived by his sister, Lauren Graves; brother, John Patrick Graves (Stephanie); nephew, John Patrick Graves, Jr; nieces, Corley Elizabeth Graves, Katie Anne Graves; step-father, Cecil G. Duffee, Jr.; step-sisters, Linnie Duffee Dortch (Kirk), Barbara Bretz Duffee, and stepbrothers, Stevie Duffee (Julie) and Robbie Duffee.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alexander City Cemetery with Billy Coleman officiating.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to East Alabama Mental Health Center, 2506 Lambert Drive, Opelika, Al, 36801.
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