Carl “Bruce” Dawson, Jr.

It is with great sadness that his family announces the passing of Carl Bruce Dawson, Jr., 80, of Winchester, Virginia, on Tuesday, January 8th, 2019 at Winchester Medical Center. Bruce was born in St. Louis, Missouri on March 27th, 1938. He was the son of the late Carl Bruce Dawson, Sr. and Zana Rabenau Dawson.

Beloved husband and best friend of Patricia Belle Purcell Dawson.

Loving father of Jeffry Dawson (Laura), Cristopher Dawson and Scott Dawson (Kama) and Step Father to Gary Lee Brant, Jr. (Melissa).

Proud grandfather to Emily and Cooper Dawson, and step grandfather to Meredith Lineback (B.J.) and Matthew and Katy Brant and step great grandfather to Dawson and Chandler Lineback and Xander Brant.

Bruce’s beloved brother, Jim Dawson (Doris), passed away in 2018.

Bruce was a quiet and kind gentleman who possessed the highest integrity in business and in family life. He was a man that truly lived every day of his life with positivity and enthusiasm. If you asked how he was doing or how his day was going, he simply answered “Outstanding!”, and generally, that was the case.

Bruce and his brother Jim had an idyllic childhood in St. Louis. This is where he first developed his incredible skills as a man that could build anything, from anything.

In St. Louis, sons Jeff and Cris were born. After a move to Portageville, Missouri, Scott arrived.

Bruce and his family moved to Winchester, Virginia in 1971 when he went to work for O’Sullivan Corporation.

Throughout his years Bruce started many companies and nurtured lifelong relationships with employees and partners. Among those businesses were Winchester Enterprises, Valley Industrial Plastics, Precision Plastics, and The Dawson Group. In the late 80’s, Bruce started Winchester Tool and Machine, Inc. and owned and operated the business until he retired. He continued to develop, build and manage commercial buildings in the area during his retirement.

Bruce was a member of Burnt Factory United Methodist Church, where he felt at home.

Bruce was a longtime member of the Shenandoah Region Antique Car Club of America and the Winchester Host Lions Club.

Throughout his life in Winchester, Bruce was a generous and giving community member, but was most passionate about Northwestern Workshop (now NW Works). He served on the board for decades and volunteered his time, energy and expertise until 2017.

Bruce never did anything that he didn’t do to near perfection. He was a man of many hobbies. He spent countless hours at his “Toy Barn” building the most incredible creations. He was an accomplished machinist, and an incredible musician. He repaired and collected clocks, built model ships, designed and built wooden banks and toys for kids. He always had hand-built toys on hand to give to any children he met. Most recently he started building and flying model planes. He can build anything, but his flying skills left a lot to be desired as he landed as many in trees as he did on the ground.

Bruce was passionate and proud of all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and above all he loved his wife and best friend of 26 years, Pat.

A memorial service will be held at Burnt Factory United Methodist Church, 1943 Jordan Springs Rd, Stephenson, VA 22656 on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11:00 am with Pastor Steve Melester officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Bruce may be made to the Burnt Factory United Methodist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 399, Stephenson, VA 22656.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.