FREDDY D. DAWLEY

Freddie Delone Dawley, of Groesbeck, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, at age 73. After a brief illness, since August, he passed away at Limestone Medical Center.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 23, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Troy Brooks and the Rev. Tracy Sims officiating. Burial followed in Fort Parker Cemetery, with Masonic services.

Pallbearers were Zack Shriver, Danny Hewitt, Bill Hughes, Nathaniel Bedford, John Bush Jr. and Mark Smith. Honorary pallbearers were the members of Masonic Lodge #354 A.F.A.M. and Marvin Pettis.

Freddie was born Oct. 1, 1947, to Chester Ralph Dawley and Mary Eady Dawley in Mexia. He grew up on the family farm at Honest Ridge and graduated from Groesbeck High School in the Class of 1966. His high school interests centered on ag and football and his girlfriend, Kay. Fred earned an Associates’ Degree in Agriculture at Navarro Jr. College, and attended a few semesters at Sam Houston State University.

Freddie was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Kay Beaver, on Sept. 19, 1970. Their wedding was held at First Baptist Church of Fairfield, where their minister of choice, Brother Jack Smith, was pastor.

Freddie worked until 1981 as a body man for Ferguson Chevrolet in Groesbeck, working with Troy Rice in the body repair shop.

In 1981, he went to work as a rural mail carrier for the U. S. Post Office in Groesbeck and continued to deliver the mail for 29 years until retiring in 2010. His mail customers hated to see him retire, as he always had a friendly smile and laugh for them. And at Christmas he carried candy canes to give the children on his route. After Fred retired from the U.S.P.S., he was a substitute teacher for Groesbeck middle school, and he enjoyed the kids as well as they enjoyed him.

Freddie never met a stranger and was known for his great personality. He was active in the community and had served as a Reserve Deputy and Volunteer Firefighter. He helped form the Young Farmers organization; served on the board of Limestone County Farm Bureau; and was active many years as a Mason, serving two terms as Past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 354 in Groesbeck and also was a member of Eastern Star No. 801. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Groesbeck.

Since his youth growing up on the farm, Freddie continued to raise cattle and farm at Honest Ridge all the remainder of his life. He helped his Dad with his garden and raised peas, potatoes and other crops for his family. He enjoyed teaching his kids how to grow things, like miniature pumpkins and Indian corn. He even helped Nicole this year with her “above-ground” garden on her porch.

Freddie was very involved in Matthew and Nicole’s activities when they were growing up, taking them fishing; teaching Matthew how to bale hay, weld, and keep the equipment operating, and attending all Nicole’s band concerts. He and Kay were present at all Thursday and Friday night ballgames. He was involved with the kids with their ag projects, raising chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs and steers to show. And he continued to help Nicole while she had been teaching with her projects, such as building bookcases, stools and other craft projects. When he wasn’t working, Freddie enjoyed watching Western movies, especially John Wayne movies, which he could watch all day long, with his dogs sharing his blanket.

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, C.R. and Mary Dawley.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Dawley of Groesbeck; daughter, Nicole Dawley of Groesbeck; son, Matthew Dawley of Groesbeck; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Carol Ann Dawley, of Mexia, and John and Donna Dawley, of Groesbeck; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law , James and Gerry Beaver of Stephenville and Bob and Nelda Beaver of Waxahachie; and nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

Visit www.groesbeckfuneralhome.com to leave messages of condolence on the guestbook.