Source: http://www.mem.com/Story/4121189/18429623/18429626?title=Biography

Mr. Charles Bluford Dawkins
Wednesday, January 12, 1921 - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Charles was born on January 12, 1921 in Montrose, MS. He was the son of Burbon and Ethel Dawkins. Charles was the eldest child followed by Shelton, Lucille, Modane and Bill. He attended Louin, MS High School and graduated in 1940.

After high school, he joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Albuquerque, NM. As soon as possible he sent for his childhood sweetheart, Vonda Catherine Holder. They were wed on December 3, 1942. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Ronald Wayne, Linda Catherine, Deborah Ellen and Janice Diane.

It might truly be said that with the birth of his children, Charles' goal in life became crystal clear. He would thereafter provide for all the financial needs of his large family, thereby freeing his wife to be a wonderful homemaker. Out of necessity, he learned to repair almost everything around the home. From the family car to the sewer system, he kept everything in good working condition. He was a stern taskmaster when it came to skills he knew his children would need in life. He led by example, and kept his family focused on not only completing the task at hand, but in doing an exemplary job. He also taught his children to value the feelings of others and to be polite, considerate and frugal.

Charles' care for his children did not end when they reached 18, 21 or even 60. He continually offered his services; whether it was repairing an old car, installing a new door in a house, or granting a loan when his children were purchasing their highly anticipated first home. The generous offer of his time and talents extended to all who came in contact with him, as well as his entire extended family.

He valued education and many a dinner would begin with a discussion of what the children had learned in school that day. Remarkably, all his children attended college and graduated with degrees in their chosen field. All this was accomplished with only one family income.

Even his hobbies were beneficial to his family. Charles' passion for fishing meant 3:00AM morning calls for him and his eldest son. The girls in the family were blessed with being able to sleep late. Later in life, when Charles was unable to get in and out of a boat, Ron would literally carry him so that he could once again enjoy the thrill of the catch. He also enjoyed hunting with his brothers and many of his birthdays were spent in remote cabins during deer season. Friends and family were treated to fresh vegetables from his backyard garden.

Charles and Vonda also enjoyed traveling with friends and family. They had opportunities to visit most areas of the United States and Canada. Charles also kept in touch with friends he met while in the Air Corps. He and Vonda traveled to reunions on numerous occasions.

Although they weren't lengthy trips, his family journeys to his hometown were probably some of the most enjoyable occasions in his life. The passengers usually consisted of four women and Charles, so he certainly endured a great deal of good natured ribbing. Even during his later days Charles continued to travel, touring the neighborhood each day in his motorized chair.

Charles was blessed with a colorful and salty sense of humor. The family delighted in recording some of his more unique expressions and the humor comforted them during difficult times.

He will be missed.
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Extracted from The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)
Sunday, January 17, 2010

DAWKINS

Charles was born in Montrose, MS, the son of Burbon and Ethel Dawkins. Charles was the eldest child followed by Shelton, Lucille, Modane and Bill. He attended Louin, MS High School and graduated in 1940.

After high school, he joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Albuquerque, NM. As soon as possible he sent for his childhood sweetheart, Vonda Catherine Holder. They were wed on December 3, 1942. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Ronald Wayne, Linda Catherine, Deborah Ellen and Janice Diane.

Charles is survived by Vonda, his wife of sixty-seven years, as well as by his four children, his grandchildren Stewart and Christopher Dawkins, Matthew and Daniel Holliday, Jennifer Lowe, Jessica Hatten and Laura and Brian Graves, as well as several great grandchildren. All mourn his passing.

He provided for all the financial needs of his large family, thereby freeing his wife to be a wonderful homemaker. Out of necessity, he learned to repair almost everything around the home. He led by example, and kept his family focused on not only completing whatever task was at hand, but in doing an exemplary job. He also taught his children to value the feelings of others and to be polite, considerate and frugal.

Charles' loving care for his children did not end when they reached 18, 21 or even 60. He continually offered his services; whether it was repairing an old car, installing a new door in a house, or granting a loan when his children were purchasing their highly anticipated first home. The generous offer of his time and talents extended to all who came in contact with him, as well as his entire extended family.

He valued education and many a dinner would begin with a discussion of what the children had learned in school that day. Remarkably, all his children attended college and graduated with degrees in their chosen field. All this was accomplished with only one family income.

Charles was blessed with a colorful and salty sense of humor. The family delighted in recording some of his more unique expressions and the humor comforted them during difficult times. He will be missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral.

Services will be celebrated in the Chapel at GARDEN OF MEMORIES FUNERAL HOME, 4900 Airline Dr., Metairie on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.