Roy Orville Dawson, 78, of Spruce Creek Fly-In, previously of Lakeland, Florida and West Milford, New Jersey passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016. Roy was born October 30, 1938 in Pompton Plains, New Jersey to Bernard & Ruth Dawson. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Bernie of New Jersey, Thomas of Hawaii, and son-in-law Ernest Hagenston of New York.

As a young entrepreneur, Roy began his long career in electronics at age 12. Under the mentorship of Ernie Hufnagel of Pompton Plains, Roy began repairing televisions. He followed his passion for 66 years repairing various electronics until he found his niche with avionics. Seven-day work weeks to keep with the steady flow Dr. Roy of the "Avionics Hospital" was the last stop for repair; if he couldn't fix it then no one could. Roy Dawson Radio Communications began in New Jersey, and then to Florida in 1980. In Lakeland, Florida he owned South Lakeland Airpark from 1980-1990. He was also a private pilot since 1971, both fixed wing and helicopters, instrument rated, an Airframe & Powerplant mechanic, and IA.

Roy was a ham radio operator, call letters W2AL making connections all over the globe. Other interests include photography, where as a teen he was given feature photo status in The New York Daily News for his coverage of the NJ Butler rubber mill factory fire. Roy also had an ear for music; memories of him sitting at the organ asking family to "sing me a song" then artfully recreate it on his Hammond.

Roy has left behind his loving wife of 56 years, June, his daughter Doris Hagenston, New York, and his son James Dawson of Spruce Creek, Florida. His granddaughters: Dr. Keri Hagenston, Michelle Williams & her husband Jeffrey, Amy Hagenston, and Meghan Dawson, all of New York. They will greatly miss their "Goofy Grampa" as they called him. Grandsons: Tyler Dawson of Maine, and Garrett Dawson of New York. He is a Great-Grandpa, known as GGPa, to Mckenzie and Emily Williams. He is survived by his sisters-in-law: June E. Dawson, Hawaii, and Joan Dawson of Pennsylvania, several nieces, a nephew and four grand-nieces. Also left behind are his beloved cats: Baxter, Bobbi, and Mikey.

Roy passed with his loving family at his side. A special thank you to Dr. James Sutton and Dr. Mark Kendrick who made a most difficult time easier. Thank you to Amedysis Home Care for your brief but wonderful care.

Arrangements at Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange are on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Calling hours are from 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Service at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Rebecca T. Hyvonen of Cross Creek Community Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Roy Dawson to:
Animal Rescue Need & Intervention
600 Mason Avenue
Daytona Beach, Florida 32117
386-267-0277
www.arnifoundation.org

Additional condolences and memories may be shared with the family via this online guestbook.