Jerry Copeland Dawson of Shreveport, Louisiana, died May 6, 2018. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who loved him and whom he loved.Born November 15, 1944, to Jerry and Nancy Dawson at Barksdale Air Force Base, he was graduated from Bossier High School then in 1963 he married the love of his life, the former Cherel Darlene Gibson of Goldonna. If you knew Jerry, you knew he loved being an American and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.Jerry especially adored his grandchildren and enjoyed spending holidays with his family and taking care of their loving animals. He was a man who had an infectious laugh and a “can-do” attitude. He was an entrepreneur and owned several businesses in Shreveport, most recently South Park Pet Parlor until retiring.He and his wife belonged to Word of Life Church in Shreveport, under the guidance of Pastors Sam and Becky Carr.He is survived by his wife, Cherel Gibson Dawson, his beloved children of Natchitoches, son, Allen Copeland Dawson and Angela, daughter, Kelly Dawson Savell and Greg, his brother Kirk Dawson and Elena of New Port Beach, California, sister, Debbie Smith Abraham and Robert, of Bossier City, grandchildren Quincie Jacquelynne and Cade William McConathy, JoeLee Lynn Savell, Mary Catherine, Benjamin Copeland and Matthew Allen Dawson, of Natchitoches and nephews Craig Dawson of California and Christopher Greenwood of Bossier City, and niece Michelle Dawson of California. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation with services following will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Goldonna Cemetery in Goldonna, Louisiana, on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s in memory of Jerry Copeland Dawson. Other condolences may be sent to 720 Parkway Drive, Natchitoches, LA 71457.