William Dawson Phifer, 62, of Hamlet, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 at Richmond County Hospice Haven, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Sept. 26, 1961, in Richmond County, son of the late Emsley Haywood Phifer Sr. and Louise Lampley Phifer.
Dawson started his lifelong working career in the flooring business, Phifer & Sons Flooring Company, along with his late father. He would later go on to own and operate the business and continue the family tradition, passing along his skills and training, to his son, Chad, who continues to operate the business today.
Dawson never met a stranger and loved everyone. He was a true, faithful Christian man who displayed the love of Christ to any and everyone. Being the family man that he was, he was a role model for all of his family as well as his community. He loved Carolina Tar Heels sports and was an avid fan. Dawson loved all sports and loved coaching throughout his lifetime. He especially loved being on the ball fields watching and coaching his grandchildren. He was a well-loved man by his family and will be greatly missed.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Kitty Deaton.
Dawson is survived by his loving wife, Terri Kirkley Phifer of the home; children, Rebecca Phifer (Devin), Brenda “B.J.” Gadson (Stan) and Chad Phifer (Kris), all of Rockingham, Chris Hodges (Gwen) and Jeff Hodges, both of Hamlet; beloved grandchildren, Killian Phifer, Christian Phifer, Donavan Gadson, Ashton Phifer, Tripp Gadson, Conner Phifer, Evan Hodges, Adelynn Phifer, Alyvia Phifer, Cora Phifer, Gabriel Phifer, Dawson Williams, Deonte Gadson, Tyler Hodges, Ethan Hodges and Gracie Hodges; great-grandson, Ace Phifer; brother, Haywood Phifer Jr., and wife, of Kings Mountain; sister, Bonnie Melton of Rockingham; nieces and nephews, Rene Anderson, Kim Phifer (Shane), Jim Sharpe (Wanda), Mike Sharpe (Jodi), Paula Phifer and Hope Gilchrist (Randy); and numerous great-nieces and -nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
The funeral service will follow the visitation, beginning at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Harrington Funeral Home with the Rev. Ernie Walters and the Rev. Alex Perakis officiating. Interment will follow at Northam Cemetery.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the family home in Hamlet.
Memorials may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association Early-Onset, at www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate or by mail, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Phifer family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
