Wilmer "Ray" Dawson

Sunrise: April 12, 1935 - Sunset: October 9, 2026

Wilmer Ray Dawson, age 91, passed away on Friday morning, October 9, 2026. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 12, 1935, he moved to Vineland at the age of 5 and was a life-long Vineland resident. After attending Vineland High School, he served time in the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He began his career as a truck driver for Tri- State Transportation Company in Vineland, NJ and remained there until his retirement.

He was affectionately known as "Ray," "Ray Ray," "Daddy”, and "Poppy." Ray was a man who appreciated the finer things in life. Thus, he actively pursued them and desired his children to be recipients of the best that life could offer. Included among his passions were making BBQ in the summer, his 2003 Nissan Murano, home landscapes, art, music, computer technology and financial literacy.

He met Annie M. Scott, his wife of 62 years on a blind date. To this union were born two daughters, Donna and Joanna. In addition, he became stepfather to Naomi ("Snookie") and Barbara.

Ray was predeceased by his mother, Isabel Burch Garrett, his father, Jesse Dawson and his sister, Jessie Dawson.

He is survived by his wife Annie M. Dawson; Four daughters, Naomi Cullum of Lawrenceville, NJ and Barbara Cullum of Denver, Colorado, Donna Dawson of Madison, NJ; Joanna Roman (Hector) of Carney's Point; Five grandchildren: Desiree Cullum and Vernon Cullum of Denver, Colorado; Megan Diaz (Hector) of Richlands, NC; Victoria Roman of Burlington, NJ; and Ryan Roman of Whiteville, NC. Eleven great-grandchildren: Bella, Sophie, Anna, Titus, Timothy and Jude Diaz of Richlands, NC; Anastasia, Tyriek, Tianna and Tamirah Cullum of Denver, Colorado and Gabriella Lazarus of Burlington, NJ. A great-great grandson, Marquesa Cullum, of Denver, Colorado; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.