The Reverend George Henry Dawson, an Episcopal Priest and long-time Rotarian, died on June 30, 2023. He was 91. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland and spent his childhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Central High School in 1951. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1954 from Duke University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the Air Force as a second lieutenant and entered pilot training, earning his wings in 1955. That same year he married his Duke sweetheart, Lorraine Johnson, in Pensacola, Florida. The couple moved to the Harlingen Air Force Base where he flew the T-29 "Flying Classroom" from 1955-1958.

George was called to the ministry and entered Virginia Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters in Divinity in 1961. His first parish in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas was at St. Christopher's Church in Bandera. In 1965 George joined the Church of the Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi as an Assistant Rector, and from 1965 to 1969 also served as Vicar of St. Christopher's By-the-Sea in Portland. From 1969 to 1971 he served as Associate Rector of Good Shepherd. He continued to pastor several Episcopal parishes including St. Martin Episcopal in Corpus Christi, Church of the Ascension in Refugio, Church of Our Saviour in Aransas Pass and St. James Episcopal Church in Hebbronville. Notably, in partnership with the Diocese of Northern Mexico, George lead youth groups on a mission to build cabins at youth Camp Hayah located outside of Monterrey.
He retired from the ministry in 1993, however continued to serve as a Supply Priest to parishes in the Diocese until 2015.

George is remembered for his humble nature, and his civic leadership and service to the local community. George was a Lifetime Member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi having served as President in 1980-1981, and as District Governor for District 5930 from 2004-2005 during the 100th year celebration of Rotary International. He also dedicated his time from 1977-2000 to the Corpus Christi International Seamen's Center in many capacities as board member, board president and administrator. He was instrumental in securing funds to build the Center's Victorian style headquarters on Mesquite Street. He often traveled to conventions in the US, Europe and Asia representing these organizations as a delegate, and attended leadership conferences for chaplains and administrators.

Locally he was a patron of the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Chamber Music Society and was a past president of the Nueces County Historical Society.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lorraine. He is also survived by his daughter Deban and her husband Tom Flexner, both of New York City; George Jr. and his wife Cathy Dawson, both of Brenham, Texas; and three grandsons.

Memorial Services for George Dawson will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00am at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 700 South Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd Organ Fund and/or to the Rotary Foundation, 921 North Chaparral, Suite 210, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.