Mr. Howard J. Dawson, age 70, of Covington, Virginia, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at LewisGale Hospital, Low Moor, VA.

Jerrell was born July 26, 1943 in Alleghany County, the son of the late Howard J. Dawson, Sr. and Dessie Gaines Dawson.

A lifetime resident of this community, he was retired from the Maintenance Of Way Department of CSX Transportation.

Jerrell was a member of Highland Chapel Christian Church.

He enjoyed life to the fullest, his rides to Waitesville, breaking and riding horses like the man from Snowy River, woodworking, cutting wood, hunting, working on cars or just enjoying his family and friends over a good meal.

Jerrell is survived by one daughter, Cherie Brown and husband, David of Covington; one granddaughter, Autumn Vallandingham of Marshall University, Huntington, WV; one brother, Clayton Dawson and wife, Blondie; a sister-in-law, Jean Dawson, all of Covington; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his first love, Estalean Sutton of South Carolina; Diane Thompson, who was like a daughter, Phil Thompson and Toby Malcomb, who were like sons, his special driving buddy, Mae Gaines and the many animals that he loved.

Also, a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers on the fourth floor - he loved you all.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Junior Dawson and Juanita West, and two infant siblings, Basil Dawson and Edith Dawson.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m.. Sunday, March 30, 2014, from the Chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Rev. David Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Lone Star Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Brown, Phil Thompson, Toby Malcomb, Jake Thompson, Buddy Nicely, and Jay Bradshaw. The family will receive friends on Saturday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.. at Loving Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com