Johnny Earl Dawkins Sr.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”-Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Johnny Earl Dawkins, Sr., was popular, quick witted, and gregarious. He loved and was loved by his family and friends. He is missed and will always be remembered. A Time to Be Born: Johnny’s story began on September 7, 1943, the first- born child of the late George Arthur Dawkins and the late Daisy Ellen Reeder Dawkins. He was born in Silverstreet, S.C., the hometown of his parents. A Time to Learn: Johnny was educated in the Washington, D.C. Public School System, graduating from high school in 1961. He went on to attend Elizabeth City State University on a basketball scholarship. After a year, he returned to Washington, D.C. and attended Howard University. A Time to Serve: Johnny enlisted in the Army in 1965. There he became a member of the United States Special Forces. He was especially proud to call himself a “Green Beret.” A Time of Faith: In his youth, Johnny attended Florida Avenue Baptist Church where he accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized. Later in life, he read the Bible and prayed for his family daily. A Time to Love: Johnny met and married the love of his life, Peggy Coates, and their union was blessed with two sons, Johnny, Jr., and James. Their household was lively and loving, a setting for many fun-filled family gatherings with Johnny regaling us with a colorful account of his many adventures. A Time to Live: After leaving Howard University, Johnny was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. When discharged from the Army, he went to work for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, first as a bus driver, then as a train operator, and finally as a manager. He retired in 1995. Johnny lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother George, playing golf, and, of course, weightlifting. He was very competitive, always striving to be one step ahead of the competition. His fervor for life was visible for all to see as he celebrated all that the Lord had blessed him with; his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was proud of them all. He traveled extensively, locally and abroad. Life was indeed a pleasure and a big adventure to Johnny. A Time to Mourn: Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, George and Daisy Dawkins, his three brothers George, Jr. (BaBruh), Randolph (Randy), and Miles. A Time of Transition: On July 22, 2022, Johnny passed from death to life. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24 A Time of Memories: Fond memories are left to his loving and devoted wife, Peggy, his sons Johnny, Jr., (Tracy) and James (Allison), his grandchildren Blair, Sean, Jillian, Aubrey, and Eric, his sisters Barbara Campbell and Yvonne Turner, his brother Davey, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Johnny Earl Dawkins Sr.

September 7, 1943 - July 22, 2022