Freddie Delone Dawley

Freddie Delone Dawley, of Groesbeck, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at age 73.   After a brief illness, since August, he passed away at Limestone Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 22, 2020 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, November 23, 2020 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Troy Brooks and Rev. Tracy Sims officiating.   Burial will follow in Ft. Parker Cemetery, with Masonic services.

Pallbearers will be Zack Shriver, Danny Hewitt, Bill Hughes, Nathaniel Bedford, John Bush, Jr., and Mark Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of Masonic Lodge #354 A.F.A.M.  and Marvin Pettis.

Freddie was born October 1, 1947 to Chester Ralph Dawley and Mary Eady Dawley in Mexia.   He grew up on the family farm at Honest Ridge and graduated from Groesbeck High School in the Class of 1966.  His high school interests centered on ag and football and his girlfriend, Kay.  Fred earned an Associates’ Degree in Agriculture at Navarro Jr. College, and attended a few semesters at Sam Houston State University.

Freddie was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Kay Beaver, on September 19, 1970.   Their wedding was held at the First Baptist Church of Fairfield, where their minister of choice, Bro. Jack Smith, was pastor.

Freddie worked until 1981 as a body man for Ferguson Chevrolet in Groesbeck, working with Troy Rice in the body repair shop.

In 1981, he went to work as a rural mail carrier for the U. S. Post Office in Groesbeck and continued to deliver the mail for 29 years until retiring in 2010.   His mail customers hated to see him retire, as he always had a friendly smile and laugh for them.    And at Christmas he carried candy canes to give the children on his route.   After Fred retired from the U.S.P.S., he was a substitute teacher for the Groesbeck middle school, and he enjoyed the kids as well as they enjoyed him.

Freddie never met a stranger and was known for his great personality.   He was active in the community and had served as a Reserve Deputy and Volunteer Fire Fighter.   He helped form the Young Farmers organization; served on the board of Limestone County Farm Bureau; and was active many years as a Mason, serving two terms as Past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 354 in Groesbeck and also was a member of Eastern Star No. 801.    He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck.

Since his youth growing up on the farm, Freddie continued to raise cattle and farm at Honest Ridge all the remainder of his life.   He helped his Dad with his garden and raised peas and potatoes and other crops for his family.  He enjoyed teaching his kids how to grow things, like miniature pumpkins and Indian corn.   He even helped Nicole this year with her “above-ground” garden on her porch.

Freddie was very involved in Matthew and Nicole’s activities when they were growing up, taking them fishing; teaching Matthew how to bale hay, weld, and keep the equipment operating and attending all Nicole’s band concerts.   He and Kay were present at all Thursday and Friday night ball games.  He was involved with the kids with their ag projects, raising chickens, turkeys, sheep, pigs and steers to show.  And he has continued to help Nicole while she has been teaching with her projects, such as building bookcases, stools, and other craft projects.  When he wasn't working, Freddie enjoyed watching Western movies, especially John Wayne movies, which he could watch all day long, with his dogs sharing his blanket. 

Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, C.R. and Mary Dawley.  

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Dawley of Groesbeck; daughter, Nicole Dawley of Groesbeck; son, Matthew Dawley of Groesbeck; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Carol Ann Dawley of Mexia and John and Donna Dawley of Groesbeck; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law , James and Gerry Beaver of Stephenville and Bob and Nelda Beaver of Waxahachie; and nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.