Dawson William Gillaspy, age 94, most recently of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at his son’s home, surrounded by loved ones.
Dawson was born in 1930 in Illinois to Dawson J. and Evelyn Gillaspy. He attended the University of Illinois at Champaign, where he was a member of Sigma Nu, later serving as president in his senior year. He entered the Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War, as a medic. Dawson went on to pursue a career in human relations.
Dawson met Mary Porter while at the University and they wed in 1952. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, water activities and raising a family. Dawson loved scuba diving, making jewelry, and building and flying remote control airplanes. With Mary they built a very successful “tin toys” business, traveling around the country and setting up at various craft shows to sell their pieces.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, who died in 2018, daughter-in-law, Grace, his younger brother Robert and great-grandson, JJ Miller. He is survived by his only son, Thomas (Grace), and daughters Beth Allen (Jim), Ann Gillaspy-McHugh (JC), and Jane Hall (Scott), seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Dawson was a very smart, sweet and interesting man. He met new friends everywhere he went and made an impression on everyone. He loved his family deeply and was involved with all of them, up to the end.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.