Charles Cameron Dawson, passed away at home on Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida, at the age of 60 on October 3, 2023, with his loving wife and family by his side. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer for over 3 years. Chuck was born on October 29, 1962, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, son of the late Charles M. Dawson. He is survived by the love of his life and his wife of 28 years, Susan; his mother, Elaine Dawson; his brother, Scott Dawson, and wife, Jill; his brother-in-law, Paul Bowdoin, and wife, Deb; his nieces, Jeni Dawson and Rachel Bowdoin; his nephews, Jake Dawson and Will Bowdoin, and wife, Carlee, and their children, JeanAnn and Anderson, and his cousins.
Chuck’s family settled in St. Petersburg, Florida, when he was in elementary school. He graduated from Lakewood High School, and he was an alumnus of USF. He was a salesman selling paper products before he changed careers to become a general contractor. He renovated homes and condominiums and built custom homes in the South Tampa area, St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County Beaches.
Chuck was a member of the Tampa Interbay Rotary Club. He led the Club’s effort for Paint Your Heart Out Tampa one year. He rode in the Club’s Cycling for Autism fundraiser several times, helping with the event’s logistics one year. Chuck was a long standing member of Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church. He served as the Church Facility Trustee on the Church Council who took care of maintaining the Church, and he served on the House and Grounds Committee for the St. Petersburg Yacht Club for several years. He also served on the Board and as President of NARI Tampa Bay Chapter.
Chuck was an exceptional athlete. Throughout his school years, he enjoyed playing tennis, sailing, football, wrestling, being on the cross-country team and baseball team, and he was the captain of the baseball team his senior year in high school. He was a lifeguard at Fort De Soto Park for 2 years while in high school. He was also an excellent marathon runner and triathlete for several years.
Chuck was very adventurous, and he had a zest for life. He enjoyed golfing, cycling on long bike rides, running, and traveling with his wife, Susan. Throughout their 30 years together, they enjoyed snow skiing, dancing, scuba diving, swimming, and time on the water. For many years, Chuck’s favorite adventure was sailing on their beautiful Catalina 375 they named Grace.
Chuck was Susan’s “Superman”. He always protected her and he was so strong mentally and physically. He was also her “MacGyver”. He could fix anything, and he was good at problem solving, and quite creative when making something out of almost nothing.
Chuck was strong in his faith, patriotic, humble, respectful, grateful, polite, loyal, and outgoing and gregarious. He said hello to everyone he encountered no matter where he was going or what he was doing. He was known for his strength, his kindness, and his caring and compassion for others. His big smile, infectious laugh, sense of humor, puns and quick wit made others laugh.
Chuck wrote heartfelt and funny poems for family and friends over the years. He was a romantic soul. He loved dancing on the beach with Susan, and toes in the sand while watching sunsets together. Chuck was very dapper and a true gentleman.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church, 107 16th Avenue, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, followed by a reception in the Church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
Service Information:
Venue for Service: Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church Address for Service: 107 16th Avenue, St Pete Beach, FL 33706 Phone number attendees can reach out to for service: (727) 360-5508 Pick one service type: Church Service Date: 2023-12-09 Service Start Time: 11:00 AM
