01/11/2026
Clifford Samuel Dawson, age 82, a resident of South Scotland, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in Indian Creek Cemetery with Gray Funeral Home directing.
Clifford was born on May 7, 1943 in Barbour County, Alabama to the late Pearlis Sanford Dawson and Kittie Rebecca Olds Dawson. He died on January 10, 2026, at his home in the South Scotland community, being cared for by his family and Enhabit Hospice. Clifford graduated from Union Springs High School and began a career with Dixie Electric Cooperative. He retired after 38 years, beginning as a lineman and working his way up to the district foreman.
Clifford married Carole Ann Sweeney in 1964; they remained together 57 years until her death in 2021. Together, they raised two sons, Adam and Daniel, and he enjoyed teaching them to trap, fish, hunt and play sports.
Clifford loved the Lord and was saved at a young age, spending time attending and serving at Indian Creek Baptist Church, Eastside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. He was a devoted Sunday School member, teaching for many years, served as a deacon and on multiple committees, and was fondly known at First Baptist as “the elevator man”.
In addition to loving his Lord, Clifford truly loved his family! He was proud of his boys, and probably more proud when he became a Granddaddy/Pop. He spent a lot of time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking them hunting, fishing, feeding cows, and following them far and wide to watch them play ball.
Clifford loved life and had many enjoyments, especially after retiring. After moving to the country, he bought cows and soaked in the farming life, but probably his greatest joy was being in the woods. He shared this love with all of his family, many of who continue the tradition of hog and deer hunting. He made lifelong friends, who became family, during his years of hog hunting adventures.
Clifford loved life and lived well. He will be missed dearly, but has left a legacy that will remain far beyond his lifetime! He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Ann Dawson; grandson, Weston Dawson; great-grandson, Elliott McQuagge.
He is survived by two sons and their wives: Adam and Cathy Dawson and Daniel and Shasta Dawson; five grandchildren: Marley Dawson, (Jen Waters), Taylor Dawson (Kayla), Ali McQuagge (Tristen), Colton Dawson, Dannah Simmons (Slade); four great-grandchildren: Briar Dawson, Brynlee Dawson, Foxx Simmons and Sawyer Ann Simmons; sister: Peggy Howell; two brothers: Eugene Dawson (Carolyn), Perry Dawson (Nancy); numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Taylor Dawson, Colton, Dawson, Slade Simmons, Tristen McQuagge, Steve Patterson, Bubber Ledbetter and Lee Ledbetter.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Upper Room Sunday School Class.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Gray Funeral Home.
