Rev. Arthur "Junior" Dawson, Jr

Rev. Arthur "Junior" Dawson, Jr. 85 of Mt. Airy went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, August 29, 2012 from Northern Hospital of Surry County. Rev. Dawson was born in Surry County on June 20, 1927 to the late Arthur Marvin and Thelma Jarrell Dawson. He surrendered to the call to preach in May 1960 at Fancy Gap Baptist Church, where he was a member for years. In December 1960, Rev. Dawson entered the ministry full-time. He was called to supply at Lovill's Creek Baptist Church the second Sunday in June. Rev. Dawson was called as pastor in October 1960. During his ministry, his church relocated to a new site on Fowler Road, moving into the new building the last part of 1962. He resigned in July 1964. The church is now North Side Baptist Church. In August 1964, Rev. Dawson organized Emmanuel Baptist Church on Bel Vue Drive. He remained there until August 29, 1995, when he retired due to failing health after serving for 31 years. Rev. Dawson was widely known for having a weekly radio broadcast for more than 30 years. He preached at many revivals, jubilees and camp meetings, in many different states. After retirement, he continued to preach in special services and revivals, supplying work for many years. Rev. Dawson is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Archie Armstrong of Mt. Airy; a grandson, Joshua and spouse Chelsea Armstrong of Ararat, NC; two sisters and brother-in-law, Ruby Goins of Mt. Airy, Josie Faye and Don Wagoner of Conover; several nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rev. Dawson was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Mae Long Dawson; a grandson, Paul Lee Goins; a sister, Nina Fleming; two brothers-in-law, Roland Goins, Jr. and Doug Fleming. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rayton Puckett, Rev. Paul Sisk, Rev. David Joyce, Brother Don Collins, Rev. David Freeman and Joshua Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow in Skyline Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday night from 6 until 8 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy and other times at 136 Lynn Ave. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.