Obit – John Hilary Dawson

John Hilary Dawson, age 83, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed peacefully from this life early Sunday morning, October 19, 2025, at NHC Healthcare of Murfreesboro following an extended illness.

Born on December 2, 1941, in Carthage, Tennessee, Hilary was the son of the late Will B. Dawson and Ova Mai Braswell Dawson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Fannie Dawson Roberts, Doris Tyree, and Flora Caplenor; and brothers, Howard Dawson and Robert Dawson.

A proud graduate of Smith County High School, Class of 1959, Hilary stood out as a gifted athlete in both baseball and basketball, and was elected as class president all four years and student body president his senior year. He built a career in business management. His career began with Morrison’s Cafeteria, promoted from trainee to manager during his 9 years of service. He continued his career with Palmer Food Service as general manager for 25 years until his retirement.

Hilary lived a life rich in purpose and connection. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, cook, Jr. Pro basketball coach, and a devoted member of Fair Haven Baptist Church, where he served as deacon. He had a gift for investing in others—sharing his wisdom, his faith, teaching Bible classes, and his love for fishing and golf.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Barbara Wilmore Dawson; sons, John Kevin (Lori) Dawson and David Arnold (Julie) Dawson; grandchildren, John Thomas (Ashley) Dawson and Joseph Tyler (Tabitha) Dawson; great-grandchildren, Maverick Thomas Dawson, Alex Kai Dawson, Oakley Elizabeth Dawson, and Frances Anne Isabella Dawson; and his sister, Joann Dawson Henley.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. October 22, 2025, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Pastor Peter Allen officiating. Burial followed at Willow Mount Cemetery.

Visitation with the family was held Wednesday, 2 hours prior to the funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Fair Haven Baptist Church, the American Heart Association, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.

www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com