Leland "Lee" Allen Dawson Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT – Leland “Lee” Allen Dawson, Jr., age 89, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026. Born in Nash County, NC on July 23, 1937, he was the son of the late Leland Allen Dawson, Sr. and Edith Marie Powell Dawson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Linda Diane Cranford Dawson and his brother, Robert Edward Dawson.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Lee served during the mid-1950’s as an Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) operator, managing and operating early-warning radar systems. He loved his Lord and Savior and was a long-time member of Englewood United Methodist Church. He began his early career as a Princess Anne County Police Officer in Virginia before venturing into the Insurance Industry in which he was an Insurance Claims Adjuster until his retirement after over 35 years. In his spare time, Lee had a passion for sports cars, particularly his Honda S2000 and was an active member of the Honda S2000 Club of America. Above all else, Lee loved his family, especially his wife Linda whom he was married to for 56 years until her passing in 2019 and he cherished spending time with his sons and grandsons. A devoted and loving father, grandfather, uncle, and good friend to many, Lee will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Lee is survived by his sons, John Edward Dawson and Craig Andrew Dawson (Helen); his grandsons, Aiden Dawson and Spencer Dawson; and several nephews, nieces extended family members, and good friends.

A Graveside Service to celebrate Lee’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4454 Dortches Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Visitation with the family will be following the graveside services at the cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.