James Donald DawkinsRising Fawn, GA

James Donald “Don” Dawkins age 87, went home to be with The Lord Tuesday morning, May 23, 2023. He was born in Rising Fawn, Georgia to the late James Gordon and Burnie Pauline Gass Dawkins. He had resided most of his life in Rossville, Georgia. Don was a proud veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Don retired from Standard Coosa Thatcher/Coats American after forty-four years of employment. He enjoyed working in his yard, camping, playing dominoes, putt-putt, croquet, watching NASCAR and eating ice cream. He was saved at the young age of fifteen during a revival at Cloud Springs Baptist Church. He was a current active and charter member of Victory Baptist Church in Rossville, Georgia since 1958. He was the proud original and current owner of his maroon 1965 Ford Mustang and recently was the show winner of the Georgia Regional Mustang Club in 2021. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister: Evelyn Nofsinger, brother: Lloyd Dawkins, sons-in-law: Danny Keith and Gary Smith. He is survived by his wife of almost sixty-five years: Rita Joyce Griffith Dawkins of Rossville, GA, daughters and sons-in-law: Donna (Mike) Cloud of Rossville, GA, Debbie (Greg) Hathaway of Ringgold, GA, grandchildren: Justin (Kate) Keith, Mara (Stephen) Seals, Philip Smith, Tracy (Mike) Johnson, Stacy (Brian) Sisk, Jeremy (Amber) Smith, Chelsey (Nico) Ramos, Corey Hathaway, Jessica (Josh) Comer, Kevin (Jodi) Smith, several great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday – May 24, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home. A visitation will also be held at the church prior to the service from 2:00 pm until the funeral service at 4:00 pm – Thursday – May 25, 2023 at Victory Baptist Church in Rossville, Georgia with Dr. Ernest Groce officiating. Members of the Huskey Sunday School Class at Victory Baptist Church are requested to be Honorary Pallbearers. Burial will be in Chattanooga Veterans National Cemetery at 1:00 pm – Friday – May 26, 2023.