Brennus Wilson Benjamin Dawson (known to family and friends as Ben) left us on Friday, April 15, 2022 because of complications with sleep apnea that led to cardiac arrest. He was living in Salem, Massachusetts and had been working for Sumaria Systems, Inc., since January 2020 as Director of Contracts. Ben was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on April 24, 1977, and lived there until 1989 when his family moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Rock Hill. He attended The Citadel, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also graduated with honors from Norwich University with a master’s degree in business. He was a member of Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society, The Citadel Alumni Association, National Contract Management Association, and the Program Management Institute. He had a deep commitment to family and country, serving as a captain in the United States Air Force.
Ben was a free-spirited man who loved and was loved by many in his hometown and everywhere he lived. He had a deep appreciation for nature and all the adventure it offered: hunting, fishing, sky diving, camping, and hiking. His personal interests, other than the outdoors, included music and politics. He was an avid reader of books about astrophysics and mathematics. An organ donor, he gave life to others. As his brother Mason put it, “Ben sure had a full life.”
Ben was a man who filled up his space in the world almost to bursting with his crazy, quick sense of humor and his compassion. Inside his Citadel ring, he had engraved, “I am my brother’s keeper.”
He is predeceased by his father Henry. W. Dawson, Jr., his uncle Richard R. Mason (Carolyn), and his nephew Richard R. Mason. He is survived by his wife Catherine, his mother Ellie, his brother Mason (Michelle), his nephews Camden and Jameson Dawson, his uncles Steve Dawson (Lou), Mike Mason (Reba), David Mason (Jennifer), his cousins Jay Mason (DeeDee), Reilly and Talin Mason, Laura Wallace, and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans. There will be a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on May 14 at 3:00 P.M.
Posted in: From mother
Posted on: 2022-04-27
Link to original obituary: