John Darren Dawson
September 13, 1958 ~ December 22, 2023
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
John “Darren” Dawson, 65, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Candler on December 22, 2023.
Darren, a native of Buncombe County, was preceded in death by his parents John L. Dawson and Sylvia Peele Dawson.
He was a 1976 graduate of Enka High school and graduated from Western Carolina University, earning a BS in Business Marketing. Darren was employed by US Smokeless Tobacco Company, retiring in 2009.
Darren was an avid sports fan. He especially liked following his favorite teams, the Carolina Tar Heels, Western Carolina Catamounts and MLB, particularly his Los Angeles Angels. While at WCU, Darren worked in the Athletic Department and was responsible for recording the first official “3” point shot in college basketball history. Darren continued to be involved in sports through his support of his nephew and niece in youth, middle school and high school sports. After moving back to Candler, Darren supported Enka High School athletics as a statistician for the Enka High football and basketball teams.
Darren is survived by a brother, Michael Dawson (Kim); nephew, Matt Dawson (Erin); niece, Katie Sorrells (Travis); and three great-nephews, Ty and Kase Sorrells, and Pierce Dawson.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, at Groce Funeral Home, Patton Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent Enka High School Athletics in Darren’s memory, 475 Enka Lake Rd., Candler, NC 28715.
Services
Gathering of Friends & Family: January 2, 2024 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Thank you so much. We appreciate you always checking on them through the years.
Mike and Kim
Darren was a student assistant with me while at Western. He was super dependable and trustworthy. And he was Purple at his core. RIP fellow Catamount.
Yes he was! Thank you for the kind words.
The Dawson Family
Belinda Williams
Great Guy, and some great memories of working with him at UST.
Darren is a very good friend. His mother and I were best friends from High School years.
Our years together will always be remembered. Sympathy to all the family with our love.
We so appreciate your friendship with our family. We love yall.
Mike and Kim
So sorry. Prayers for family and friends.
Mike, Kim, and Family,
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of your brother. He will “keep the score books” for the Lord until we get to join him in heaven. May the Lord give you grace, comfort, and peace at this time.
Our Love in Jesus,
Royce & Gwenda
Thanks so much.
Mike and Kim
Mike and Kim and family
Sorry to see this about your brother
Prayers going up
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
Love
Ronnie and Susan and Lindsey and family
Thanks so much.
Mike and Kim
I’m sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and Prayers for all of you.
Thank you and Anna so much of thinking of us and sending the beautiful plant. Grateful for your friendship.
Mike and Kim
So very sorry to see this. Darren was part of our tailgate family at Western Carolina. He loved his catamounts. We always looked forward to seeing him and will miss him. Our tailgates will not be the same.
Thank you so much for the kind words. He really loved those tailgates with you all. Look forward to seeing you all next season.
Mike and Kim
We are so sorry to hear about Darren. We all have great memories of times we have spent together and all the laughs we have had. Thinking of your family during this time.
Thank you both for the sweet words. We appreciate them so much.
Mike and Kim
Joanne and I are so sorry to hear about Darren’s passing. The Catamount family has lost a great fan, alumni, and supporter. We miss seeing and talking Catamount athletics with Darren. Rest in Peace my Catamount brother.
He definitely knew about those Catamounts! Full of Cat history! We appreciate you all always being so kind to include him. See you next season.
Mike and Kim
I spoke to Darren a couple of times many years ago (but never met him in person) however since he was an owner in our retro baseball league through the past 20 years I still feel like I knew him. This is a tragic loss — he was far too young — and I will miss him greatly. My sincerest condolences to Darren’s family and friends.
Thank you so much.
Mike and Kim Dawson
Mike and Family, We are so sorry for the sudden and unexpected loss of your brother. Prayers for God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Thank you guys, we are so lucky to have so many folks praying for us!
Mike and Kim
Mike & Jim,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I did not know how but remember your Dad talking about him. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Jim Tart
Thank you so much. We appreciate the kind words.
Mike and Kim