Jesse Ray Dawson Jr's Obituary
Jesse Ray Dawson Jr., 69 passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at his home in Flower Mound, Texas with his wife Jackie at his side.
Jesse was born on October 10, 1952 in Dallas, Texas, the third child and first son of Jesse Ray Dawson Sr. and Mary Dawson.
Jesse attended Charles Rice Elementary School and was a graduate of Lincoln High School; Class of 1971. He went on to attend Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas before returning to Dallas to join the Dallas Police Department in 1974. Jesse followed in the footsteps of his father when he entered the Police Academy. Mr. Dawson Sr. was one of four groundbreaking Black WWII soldiers who passed the police entrance exam in 1947 and 1948. He joined the force in 1948. Jesse R. Dawson State Jail is named in honor of Mr. Dawson Sr.
Over a career that spanned more than 33 years in law enforcement, Jesse collected over 125 commendations for his professionalism, outstanding job performance, and caring attitude. From 1991 until his retirement, he proudly served as a motorcycle officer, receiving two awards of merit for his dedication. During his stint in “motors”, he was involved in numerous official escorts. He participated in escorts for three sitting presidents, a number of presidential candidates and politicians, foreign dignitaries, and countless others requesting and/or requiring police motorcycle escort presence. On February 6, 2008, Jesse retired at the age of 55.
Jesse was a charter member of the CAL*TEX Riders, a group formed in 1977 by motorcycle officers from Texas and California. The first ride was to the Grand Canyon in 1978. Since then, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from both states have met annually. Jesse rarely missed an annual ride. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout Texas and the fifty states.
Jesse brough the same zeal and commitment to retirement and that he did to his job. His love of riding motorcycles, while wandering around the country on the open road continued throughout his life. Along the way he collected kindred spirits who became lifelong friends. He met no strangers.
Jesses attended Mr. Pisgah Baptist Church along with his wife Jackie. He shared his love of riding motorcycles with like-minded church members. He started a motorcycle fellowship group and coordinated/led several bike rides.
Jesse is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jackie Gransberry, daughter Tya S. Dawson and son Terrence Griggs, three siblings Janice Marie Dawson, Diane Dawson Wright, and Michael Wayne Dawson. He is also survived by a niece, Stacey Dawson and three nephews, Sean Wright, Adrian Dawson and Rodney Gransberry, along with their children.
Honoring Jesse as active pallbearers is the Dallas Police Department Motorcycle Unit and honorary pallbearers, Gary Jones, Michael Dawson, Sean Wright, Adrian Dawson and Rodney Gransberry.
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