The Shadow
William Freddie Dawson, Sr.
William Freddie Dawson, Sr., age 87, of 1030 Upton Street, Clifton Forge, Virginia died on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Raleigh Court Health and Rehab in Roanoke, Virginia.
Freddie was born on June 8, 2025, in Botetourt County, Virginia to the late William James Dawson and Katie Shields Dawson. He was employed for over 30 years as a school bus driver for Alleghany and Botetourt County Public School systems, and was a former employee of H. O. Canfield in Iron Gate. He was also a longstanding member of Main Street Baptist Church in Clifton Forge where he served as a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and celebrated his love of song by singing in the Senior and Men’s Choirs and the J. B. Williams chorus.
In addition to his parents, Freddie was preceded in death by his wife, Evangeline Laurie Heighter Dawson; a sister and brother-in-law, Alice Dawson (Ivan); five brothers-in-law, Phillip Heighter, Jr., Berlin Heighter, William Heighter, Raymond Heighter, and Lorenzo Heighter; and three sisters-in-law, Jean Heighter, Barbara Heighter, and Betty Heighter.
He is survived by his children, Deborah Dawson of Roanoke, William Freddie Dawson, Jr. (Evelyn) of Georgia, Edward Dawson (Michelle) of Davenport, IA, and Carlos Dawson of California; a brother, Wallace M. Dawson of California; a sister-in-law, Carrie Heighter; a number of step grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and a good friend, Michael Carroll.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Reverend Carlos Dawson officiating. The family will visit with friends on that Saturday afternoon, the 23rd of August, from 1:00 PM until the time of service at Nicely Funeral Home.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit with friends at www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
