Williamson T. "Bill" Dawson

Williamson T. "Bill" Dawson, 86, formerly of West Deer Township, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born Jan. 16, 1937, in West Deer Township, and was the son of the late Erma M. (Dodds) and James Floyd Dawson Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the local area.

Bill graduated from West Deer High School, Class of 1954. He was of Protestant faith. Through the years, Bill worked at Glenshaw Glass, a family owned gas station, as an attendant and as a bus driver for the family owned CR & C Transit Co. He continued driving for the Port Authority of Allegheny County until his retirement in 1994. Bill was an Army veteran. He enjoyed being outdoors and liked mowing and caring for his lawn and home. In his younger years, Bill enjoyed hunting and racing stock cars. But, fishing was the "love of his life"; whether it was the solitude of floating the river alone or with his fishing buddies and tournament pals, Bill loved the catch-and-release sport. He acquired many trophies and awards in his years as an avid fisherman. Bill was a friend to many and was loved by all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Floyd Dawson Jr. and his wife, Mary L. (Walls) Dawson. Survivors include his sister, Helen A. (Dawson) Murray and husband, Lawrence Murray, of West Deer Township; a niece, Michele M. (Murray) Garren and husband, John; two nephews, William Floyd Murray and wife, Susan and Edward Martin Murray and wife, Jessica; many great-nieces and -nephews, Kathryn, Emma, Seth, Billie Dawn, Cheyenne and James; stepgreat-nieces and -nephew, Krysta, Kendra and Kenneth; and numerous great-great-nieces and -nephews.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, a private family visitation will be held at the PAUL R. AJAK FUNERAL HOME INC., 921 Freeport Road, Creighton, PA 15030. Burial will follow in Pleasant Unity Cemetery, West Deer Township.

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