Austin L. Dawson

With his family by his side, Austin Lee Dawson, age 67, passed away peacefully Monday August 12, 2024 at his residence. Austin was born in Alamo, TN on May 31, 1957, son of the late Joseph and Alvalone (nee: Payne) Dawson.

As a 12-year-old young man, he rode his bike from the southside to the northside of Racine, hoping to see a 11-year-old girl outside her house. The girl wanted nothing to do with him. He told her he would “never give up”. Many years later they would spend sixteen years together, the last three as man and wife. On December 21, 2021 Austin’s quest was realized when he was united in marriage to Jacqueline Wortham.

Austin was a faithful member of Greater St. Luke’s Baptist Church, attending until his health began to fail him.

Austin was employed by Chrysler Motors. Kenosha, WI and retired in 2001. Second to God, Austin’s greatest love was his family. He loved family gatherings and get-togethers. At cookouts, he swore he was the greatest to ever grill. He had a love for cars and racing and was an active member of the “Game Changers” car and social club. He loved watching old westerns, cruising the southside of Racine. He enjoyed car shows and when his health prevented him from attending, he had UTube tuned to “his” channel. If he had trouble finding that channel, someone had better find it for him or there was going to be a problem. Another love he had was for clothing. He loved to dress to impress from head to toe and no color was off limits to him. Let him tell it, he was the greatest dancer to hit the floor……Let’s leave that alone.

Austin will be deeply missed by his wife, Jackey (nee: Wortham) Dawson; his sons, Austin L. (Janice) Wray, Anqwan Davis, Aimeen Dawson. Adidas Dawson, Aviann (Tia) Dawson, all of Racine, and Ramon (Tanesha) Norris of CA; daughter, Glenette (Marcus) Perry of Racine; sisters, Lenora Lambright of OH, Jessie (Henry) Riddle of Racine, Nikita Churchwell of MN, Tina (Benn) Pegues of MS; brothers, Donald McGlorn of MN, Timothy (Arvia) Churchwell of MS; sisters-in-law, Carmen Payne, Carolyn Dawson, Pamela Walker, Debra Wortham, Michelle Donaldson-Epps, all of Racine; brothers-in-law, Charles Scales of MS, Henry Riddle, Dennis Walker, Robert Walker, John Epps, Michael Donaldson, all of Racine, Tekeith Wortham of MN, and Gary Wortham of CA; 17 grandchildren; 1+1 great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends along with his “movie angels”, Angie Simpson and Francina Agnew; and his argumentative “sidekick” Damani Shuford. In addition to his parents, Austin was preceded in death by his sister, Joann Scales; five brothers, Calvin Payne, Jerry Dawson, Jersy Dawson, Nathaniel Dawson and Gregory Dawson; brother-in-law, Dwight Lambright; and his first wife, Ida Marie (nee: Walker) Dawson.

Homegoing services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Joseph A. Pipes officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends a very special thank you to Dr. Nunzio Gaglianello and his staff at Froedtert Cardiac Unit for their years of service to Austin; Lejhea Duffy RN, for the care and compassion given to Austin during his illness, and to Horizon Hospice.