It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Raymond Lee Dawson on September 6, 2024, at the age of 70. Ray was born to the late Virgil Jerald "V.J." and Martha (Prachar) Dawson on March 7, 1954, in Cedar Rapids.  He was part of the 1972 graduating class at Cedar Rapids Prairie.  Soon after graduation he settled into his lifelong career at Cherry Burrell Manufacturing/Evergreen Packaging.  After 43 years of loyal and dedicated work, Ray retired as the Plant Assembly Supervisor in 2018.  On March 17, 1973, Ray married Deborah Whiting and raised two daughters Tracy (Eric) Von Sprecken and RaeLynn (Ashley) Dawson – Jensen. For many years Ray worked nights and tended to his in-laws hobby farm in Ely, caring for a variety of livestock and farming the land.  In 1988, they built a home and moved back to the same community outside of Shueyville, where Ray and his siblings, Shirley (Roger) Lowe, Linda Stoll, Tom Dawson, were raised.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Korrina Dawson, who were united in marriage on May 1st of 1998.  With this unity Ray gained two children, Nicole (Logan) Goodall and Shane White.  Ray was a patient and loving father to his four surviving children, which he loved very much, along with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family.

If you knew Ray, you knew had someone to count on.  He was always there to answer mechanical questions, work on vehicles, help you move, or give sound unbiased advice.  He made close friendships in all aspects of his life. His biggest passion was restoring John Deere and other antique tractors, with his best friend and brother Tom.  Ray was a longstanding member and current President of the East Central Iowa 2-cylinder Club.  In addition to restoring tractors, Ray and Tom were very involved in the Linn County Fair and Brown Farm Pioneer Days. Together the participated in many Tractorcades around Iowa and the surrounding States.  Ray never stopped helping others or farming land.  Each year during planting and harvesting season, you could find Ray and his fellow tractor buddies lending helping hands to farmers with their "old school" tractors.

Ray also loved all animals and spoiled his dogs, even neighbor dogs would swing by the shop to get a treat and some pets before they would meander back home. Many of his past dogs were brought to him to be re-homed, some even for rehabbing bad habits.  Ray was the alpha and always brought the best out of those around him, even animals.  The Western neighborhood was Ray's home his entire life, countless hours were spent with friends and family in the shop, enjoying good company and Gods Country.  He will be missed by those close friends and family.  There are still good people in this world and Ray was a great one taken too soon.

Celebration of Life gathering will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.

Memorials may be directed to the family.