Ray Holman Dawson

Ray Holman Dawson, was born on the kitchen table, January 23, 1936, in Provo, Utah. He made his grand exit on his 89th birthday, January 23, 2025, and everything in between has been just as magnificent.

The youngest child of Carlyle Smith “CS” Dawson and Clara Ellen Holman, Ray grew up in the Grandview area of Provo, where he spent his youth working on the family’s bustling fruit orchard and farm. He took great delight in keeping his older sister, Ruth, perpetually on her toes—a role he embraced with gusto.

Destiny played its hand when new neighbors moved in across the street, bringing Jolene Williams into Ray’s life at age 11 and 12. This meeting sparked an eternal love story that would see them inseparable from their wedding on September 5, 1956, onward.

Ray’s teenage years were marked by spirited adventures, including a five-day hitchhiking escapade to Colorado with his friend, and future brother-in-law, John Syme—without parental permission. This was just one of many tales he would regale others with throughout his life.

After graduating from BY High School in 1954, Ray enlisted in the Army, serving in the Korean War and taking full advantage of the GI Bill upon his return. Through this experience his patriotism grew, as did his love of country. He earned his degree from Brigham Young University in 1960. His experience at BYU fanned the flame of true-blue Cougar fandom. 

Ray and Jolene ventured to Rialto, California, where he worked for Kaiser Steel before returning to Midvale, Utah, to raise their family. He dedicated over 30 years to Kennecott Copper, balancing his career with raising four sons and a daughter: Brett William (Shirley), Micheal Ray (deceased), Wade Jay (Marilyn), Flyn James (deceased) (Donna), and Ellen Marie (Alan).

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ray served in various capacities, including bishoprics, stake callings, Sunday School, ward choir, and as a temple worker at the Jordan River Temple. He and Jolene also served an 18-month mission in the Manila Philippines area office from 1998 to 2000. His belief in Christ drew others to seek Him in their lives.

Ray’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished camping trips to Grey’s River, Wyoming, and Star Point near Scofield, Utah. Whether fishing, ATV riding, boating, river rafting, or leading campfire sing-alongs, Ray was in his element. He also enjoyed square dancing with Jolene, hunting for firewood to feed his beloved wood-burning stove, and playfully teasing his grandchildren.

The support he provided to his wife, children, and grandchildren endears him to each one. Consistently, he hungered to serve others. One to never shy away from an opportunity to serve widows, those who needed a hand up, a warm pat on the back and a word of encouragement.

Survived by: Jolene, wife of 68 years, Children; Brett, Wade and Ellen.

Grandchildren: Craig, Mitch, Taylor, Matthew, Marial, Melissa, Camille, Mike, Mark, Paige, Emily, Sara, and Hanna. 18 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded in death: Micheal Ray (son), Flyn James (son), Oliver Robert Palma (great grandson)

Services:

Viewing: Thursday, January 30th 2025 6:00-8:00pm

Goff Mortuary 8090 S. State Street Midvale, Utah 84047 

Funeral:

Friday, January 31, 2025

Viewing: 10:00-10:45am

Funeral: 11:00-12:00 noon

Midvale 7th Ward LDS Meetinghouse 

8350 S. Jackson Street (260 W.) 

Midvale, UT.

Interment:

Provo City Cemetery

610 S. State Street 

Provo, UT.