Perry Sanford Dawson

Perry Sanford Dawson, 89, of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. (EDT) at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N., Phenix City, Alabama 36867. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) at Ladonia Baptist Church, 3789 US Hwy 80 W., Phenix City, Alabama 36870, with Reverend Scott Rhodes and Reverend Greg Hyche officiating. Graveside services will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons: Britt Dawson, Sanford Adams, Reece Bader, Charlie Adams, Austin Norris, and Devin Denny. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Ladonia Baptist Church.

Perry was born on December 28, 1936, in Barbour County, Alabama, to the late Pearlis Sanford Dawson and Kittie Olds Dawson. He met and married the love of his life, Nancy, and together they shared 64 precious years of marriage. 

A faithful member of Ladonia Baptist Church for more than 60 years, Perry was a dedicated servant of Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord led him to share the Gospel at every opportunity. His life was a true reflection of his faith—consistent and genuine. What you saw in him on Sunday was what you saw in him on Monday. 

Perry found great joy in the simple blessings of life. He was an avid gardener who delighted in sharing his harvest with family, friends, and even strangers. He loved the outdoors and was especially passionate about hunting, taking many elk hunting trips out west with his sons. He also cherished the time spent teaching his grandchildren how to hunt deer, often sitting together for hours in the cold. Fishing with his children and grandchildren was another treasured pastime, often ending with a family fish fry. Above all, Perry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Truitt Dawson Hudman, Elma Dawson Dunn, and Lavonia Dawson Woods; his brother, Clifford S. Dawson; and his great-grandson Cole Hamilton Norris.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Craft Dawson; his children, Lee Dawson (Mechelle), Neal Dawson (Jan), Pamela Dawson Bader (Bill), and Katina Dawson Adams (Jay); his grandchildren, Courtney D. Norris (Austin), Sanford “Sam” Adams (Courtney), R. Britt Dawson, W. Reece Bader, Katherine Bader, Maggie Adams (Devin), Charlie Adams, and Annie Adams; his great-grandchildren, Carter Mack Norris and Caleb J. Norris; his brother, Pearlis Eugene Dawson (Carolyn); and his sister, Peggy Dawson Howell.