A celebration of life for Billy Ray Dawson will be held on Thursday the 16th of April, 2026 at 1:00 PM. It will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1608 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN. Bishop T.J. Dunham Presiding.

Billy Ray passed away peacefully on 4-11-2026 at LifeCare Nursing Home in Columbia TN. Billy Ray was born on 01-23-1936 to Cliff Edger Dawson and Della Prince in Memphis, TN.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Susan Goforth Dawson and sister Della Ruth Dawson Hood of Memphis, TN.

He leaves his cherished children, Sherry Jolly, Murfreesboro, TN, Dawn Scribner, Columbia, TN, Mark Dawson, AZ, Jason Sawyer, Washington State, Rebecca (Becca) Sawyer, Columbia, TN and his fur baby CoCo Chanel.

Grandchildren, Ryan Jolly, Ala, Matt Dawson, AZ, Zachary Alberts, Columbia, TN, Jessica Jolly, Murfreesboro, TN, Kyle Scribner, Pigeon Forge, TN, Whitney Dawson, AZ, Wesley Alberts, AL, Michael Sawyer, Spring Hill, TN, Markus Sawyer, Columbia, MO, Carson Sawyer, OR, and Emma Sullivan, FL.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, his sister Betty Jean Dawson Johnson and daughter Lisa Carol Dawson Alberts, daughter Melissa Sawyer, son William Deron Sawyer and grandson Cody Alberts.

Billy will be remembered for his Happies Donut Bakery in Campbells Plaza from 1967 to 1985, the Glass Doctor "We fix your panes" on Nicholas Long Drive from 1985 to 2023.

Billy served as Bishop for his church, coached the boys in football, baseball and loved every minute with them. He also served in the USAF National Guard for 21 years, being in many countries and Vietnam. He believed in honesty, helping your neighbor, hard work, and being the best Dad he could be. Being a Dad was his greatest joy.

The family will receive friends at visitation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday April 15, 2026.After the funeral on April 16, Bill will be buried in the Arbors at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Jason Sawyer, Mark Dawson, Michael Sawyer, Ryan Jolly, Zach Alberts, Kyle Scribner, and Wesley Alberts.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Compasses Hospice and all of their wonderful, kind and helpful staff. Also to LifeCare for the love and care they gave him and the family. A special thank you to Dr. Ben Gardner for the years of care and friendship.

We also thank Williams Funeral Home for their kindness in our time of need.

In Lieu of flowers, if you wish, give in his honor, to your favorite charity.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.