Samuel Otis Dawson

Samuel Otis Dawson of Niceville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, August 26, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. 

Sam was the son of the late Otis and Ruth Dawson. He was born on February 7, 1940, in Thomaston, Georgia. He grew up in Griffin, where he earned his pilot’s license at 15 years old and joined the US Air Force after high school. While serving, he met Josephine Mary Trinchera on a blind date and soon after asked for her hand in marriage. They were married for 62 happy years, raised a family, and traveled the world together. Their love story is the foundation of our family and a model for living a life of joy and service.

After Sam’s military service, he began a 30+ year career with Nordson Corporation in Amherst, Ohio. He retired in 2000 as Executive Vice President of Worldwide Finishing Operations. During his tenure with Nordson, he was instrumental in moving powder coating into the mainstream of the finishing industry. He was a founding member of The Powder Coating Institute and was inducted into its inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2002. During his career, he mentored many industry leaders and is remembered best for his special brand of Southern charm and wisdom. 

In retirement, he continued to fly airplanes. He enjoyed flying his L-19 and spending time at his hangar at Skyranch in Baker, Florida. He shared his love of flying with students and was one of several pilots who flew students enrolled in local school aviation programs. He was the recipient of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award for 50+ years of safe piloting, was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, and served on the Board of Directors of the Air Force Armament Museum.

Sam was also a lifelong avid golfer. He was a 40+ year Proprietary Member of Rocky Bayou Country Club and served as club president in 2002. He enjoyed many rounds of golf, good friends and good scotch, and years of family celebrations at Rocky.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Ruth Dawson. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo, of Niceville, Florida; daughter Cheryl (Scott) Redmon, daughter Michele Rhodes, son Greg (Samantha) Dawson; grandchildren Jessica (Drew) Mitchell, Brian (Haley) Redmon, Nick (Claire) Dawson, Angela Rhodes, Sydney Dawson, and Lauren Rhodes; and great grandchildren Evelyn and Georgia Mitchell, Tate Dawson, and Samuel Redmon.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, at 1:00 pm at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Niceville, Florida, immediately followed by a funeral service at the church at 2:00 pm. Burial with military honors will follow at Heritage Gardens in Niceville. Afterward, all are invited to join the family at 7 Kristin Circle for fellowship, food, and our favorite Sam stories. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the professionals with the practice of Dr. Wayne Justice, North Okaloosa Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Cornerstone Caregiving, and VITAS Hospice for caring for Papa Sam and seeing him home in comfort and safety. 

In the spirit of Sam’s generosity, donations to Alaqua Animal Refuge, The Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities are appreciated.

Heritage Gardens Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. 

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