Haley Dawkins, age 83, transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Sparrow Hospital, in Lansing, Michigan. He was born March 22, 1937 in Louisville, Mississippi to the union of William Sr. and Rosanna Gentry Dawkins.
Haley married the love of his life, Marie McReynolds, at the age of 24, and relocated with her
to Saginaw, Michigan. He worked for General Motors for 25 years until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Roy L. Manning, Sr.
Haley was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all. He loved to fish, play cards, garden and work on cars. He was an avid basketball fan and loved to attend basketball games. He will be remembered for his wildly entertaining stories, unfailing work ethic, love for his family, his strength and willingness to tell you exactly what he was feeling without mincing words.
Haley was affectionately known by family and friends as “Tango” for his dynamic dance moves. And just like the Tango, he was passionate, powerful , and intense. Surely, when he heard the trumpet sound before sunrise on Saturday morning, he danced through the pearly gates to reunite with his bride.
Haley was preceded in death by his wife, Marie McReynolds Dawkins; parents, William Sr. and Rosanna Dawkins; grandson, Dorian Styles Dawkins; sister, Callie Lampley; brothers, Willie, Junior, Johnny, Edgar Lee “Sam” and William “Bob” Dawkins; nephews, Larry Dawkins, Paul Dawkins, Jimmie Lampley, Dexter Lampley, Lee Roby; father and mother-in-law, Solomon Sr. and Sharnee McReynolds; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Dawkins, Vernell McReynolds-Smith; brothers-in-law, John D. Lampley, Solomon Jr., Roosevelt and Rufus McReynolds, L.B. Hathorn, Charles Andrews.
He leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Vincent (Renee), Atlanta, Georgia, Timothy (Sonya), Lansing, Michigan, Lou (Latricia) Dawkins, Muskogee, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Marcus (Kristine), Jacinda, Mario, Christian, Jordon (Briana), Janae, Hailee, and Elijah; great-grandchildren, Tamia, Lamar, Adrian, Ava, Roman, Logan, and Noah; sisters-in-law, Ollie (Willie) Dawkins, Dorothy (William “Bob”) Dawkins, Verlean (Edgar Lee “Sam”)
Dawkins, Freddie Roby, Emma Gamblin, Dorothy (Otha) Barnes, Claranett (L.B.) Hathorn, Mary Joyce (Charles) Andrews, Evia (Solomon, Jr.) McReynolds; brothers-in-law, Columbus (Pearlene), Albert (Kathy), Keith (Carolyn) and Allen (Rita) McReynolds; many nieces,
nephews, cousins, and close friends.
The family would like to express special thanks to the medical team at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, who provided outstanding care and service throughout Haley's hospital stay. We appreciate the care extended by the staff and health care providers in the midst of the pandemic. Also, special thanks to Pastor Manning, First Lady Beatrice Manning and the Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church Family for opening your hearts and providing continuous prayer through Haley's illness.
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