FRANKLIN—Mr. Thomas Richard Dawson, 70, entered into eternal slumber on Thursday, May 21, 2015, in the serenity of his home.

Thomas was born on July 17, 1944, in Wake Forrest, North Carolina, to the parentage of Richard and Beatrice Johnson Dawson. For many years, he was employed with International Paper, Franklin.

He was predeceased by his wife Marian Marie Benton-Dawson, and a daughter, Sonja Michele Dawson.

Survivors include his son, Thomas Allen Dawson (Angie) of Hampton, Virginia; two granddaughters, Sallie Michelle Dawson of Hampton, and LaToyia Goodley of Portsmouth, Virginia; his mother, Beatrice Dawson of Boykins, Virginia; one sister, Annie Ruth Dawson of Boykins; three brothers, Harold Dawson of Boykins, Graylin Dawson of Stem, North Carolina, and Jessie Lee Dawson (Carrie) of Franklin; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Faison’s Funeral Home Inc., Seaboard, North Carolina, has been entrusted with the arrangements where Mr. Dawson will lie in repose from noon to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27.

The homegoing service honoring his life, love and spirit, will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, in the White Oak Spring Missionary Baptist Church, 26125 Delaware Road, Franklin, with Pastor Melvin Wofford delivering words of comfort. Mr. Dawson will be laid to rest in Southview Cemetery, Franklin, and he will lie in state for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Private condolences may be sent to the family via: www.faisonsfh.embarqspace.com.