Ike Dawson, Jr was the fourth child born to the late Ike and Lucinda (Coleman) Dawson on January 17, 1945 in Selma, Alabama. He started his formal education in Selma before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. He attended and graduated from East High School in 1963, where he competed on the school’s decathlon team. Promptly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was an upper 10% honor graduate in still motion studies in addition to completing photographic fundamental coursework. He later put these skills to use for a motion picture lab in Cleveland, Ohio working on special projects with various organizations, notably the Cleveland Browns. Upon his honorable discharge in 1967, he was awarded an Air Force Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal and a Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon.  Following his career at the motion picture lab, he worked in retail sales and was the first black store manager at a local retail store and later retired from management at Euclid Green Bowling Lanes.

“Striking Ike”, as he was affectionately known as, was an avid bowler, often teaching and giving bowling tips to others and winning several rings and trophies himself. Not only did he love sports, he loved to fish, go on camping trips and was an all-around outdoorsman.  A versatile craftsman, he was good at building and fixing things. Ike loved music of all kinds and would often DJ in his earlier years.  He was also an excellent cook and baker.  Most of all, Ike loved to spend time with and take care of his family and was always actively finding ways to help and inspire family and friends. He cared about his community and was a member of the Garfield Hts. Land Committee until his illness prevented him from attending further meetings.

Anyone who knew Ike and spent time talking to him knew he loved the Lord. He was baptized at an early age in Selma, Alabama.  After relocating to Cleveland, he joined St. Timothy Baptist Church. Later, he regularly fellowshipped at Second Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and Refreshing Springs Ministries Baptist Church. He lived by the bible’s teaching that the greatest thing that a person could have is love. He would always say, “It is better to be kind than to be right.” He believed that a person’s character is what is most important, not their reputation. He often said, “Relationships are what matters most” and instilled these character traits in his children. Some of his favorite scriptures were Isaiah 54:17 (KJV) “No weapon formed against thee shall prosper” and Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” His favorite songs were “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savoir” and “Your Grace and Mercy.”

Ike met Carmen Hegwood on August 14, 1978. They later married and were blessed with three sons: Ike III, Jonathan and Mark.  Ike was also blessed with a daughter, Nikita, from a previous marriage.

Ike departed this life on August 15, 2023 in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dorothy Thomas, and his brother Jerome Dawson. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Carmen Dawson; daughter Nikita Jeaneen Dawson; sons Ike Dawson III, Jonathan Andrew Dawson (Nikita Walker) and Mark Alexander Dawson; brothers James Dawson (Geneva) and Harold Dawson; sisters Shirley Ensley (Bennie deceased), Carolyn Alexander and Margaret Dawson; step-sisters Anna White, Doris Brown, Patricia Lee (Climan) and Tracey Dawson and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.