O. ELLIS DAWSON, 95
Financial Manager
LAKELAND - O. Ellis Dawson, 95, passed away from heart failure on August 17, 2011 at Good Shepherd Hospice.
He was born on September 27, 1915 in Mayfield, KY. He moved to Lakeland in 1952 to manage Sun Finance and Loan Co. which later became Atlantic Discount and even later was TransSouth. He was a regional manager for these last two companies. He had worked in the small loan business since 1940, having worked for the Time Finance Co. in Kentucky.
He was a member of the Lake Gibson Church of Christ, formerly Lake Wire Church of Christ, where he served as an elder and a deacon. He was also a member of the Lakeland Kiwanis Club for many years, and was a member of the Cleveland Heights Golf and Country Club.
He was preceded in death in 2008 by his beloved wife of almost 71 years, Mary Nell; and by his son, David Dawson in 1973.
He is survived by three children: his daughters, Ann Dawson White (Mike) of Tampa and Sally Dawson of Maitland, FL; his son, Herb Dawson (Marsha) of Lakeland. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Bart White (Amy), Mel-issa White Snapp (Todd), all of Tampa, and Jonathan Dawson of Tallahassee; and 6 great grandchildren. He also is survived by a beloved brother-in-law, Tommy Holloway of Mayfield, KY; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank special caregivers, Pam, Barbara and Melody and the staff and residents of Azalea Park Retirement Home.
Visitation will be at Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd., Lakeland on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 11-noon. Funeral services will follow at noon at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be conducted at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Florida College, 119 Glen Arven Ave., Temple Terrace, FL 33617 or to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave., Auburndale, FL 33823.
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