Gerald Donald Dawson, Jr.

Gerald Donald Dawson Jr., born May 16, 1956, in Haines City, Florida, to Hazel and Gerald Dawson Sr., passed away on September 1, 2026.

Donald is survived by his fiancée and the true love of his life, Susie Turner; his oldest son, Brad; his only daughter, Michelle; and his youngest son, Justin. Through his three children, Donald was blessed with nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

To many people, he was known as Donald. To his children, he was Dad. But to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Pawpaw. Being called Pawpaw was one of the greatest joys of his life. It was a name he wore proudly, and a role he cherished deeply. There was something special about hearing those little voices call him Pawpaw, because it reminded him of the love and legacy he was building with the generations that came after him.

As a young man, Donald explored the Ocala scrub with his family, riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers through the woods and creating stories that stayed with him throughout his life.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After his military service, Donald returned home to Florida and spent years working in Florida’s citrus industry.

Donald was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time outdoors with those closest to him. He especially enjoyed speck fishing on Lake Hatchineha, where many good memories were made on the water. He loved the quiet nights on the lake, the excitement of a good catch, and the stories shared while waiting for the fish to bite. Fishing was never just about bringing home a catch for Donald—it was about being outside, enjoying good company, and making memories that would last a lifetime. One of the traditions he looked forward to every year was the annual Englewood trip, a special time spent surrounded by family and friends.

Donald didn’t just have a passion for hunting and fishing. He had a passion for barbecue.

About 15 years ago, Donald and his family started Double D’s Barbecue right in their backyard. What started as something they enjoyed together grew into something much bigger. They spent years competing in the Florida Barbecue Association and the Kansas City Barbecue Society, going up against some of the best pitmasters in the world.

Over the years, they walked away with many awards and trophies—enough to fill his trailer. But as proud as Donald was of those they were never what mattered most to him.

What he loved more than anything was seeing the smiles on the faces of the people he served.

That was Donald. He was, and always will be, a man of the people. He brought folks together, fed everyone who crossed his path, talked with anyone who would listen, and brought joy wherever he went. Anyone who knew Donald knows that there was nothing he enjoyed more than seeing somebody appreciate something he had made with his own hands.

He especially cherished Susie Turner’s home cooking, which never failed to put a smile on his face.

Above all the things Donald enjoyed—the outdoors, good food, and the many friends he made along the way—his greatest devotion was to his family. The time he spent with them and the care he showed them will live on long after today.

That bond is his true legacy.