Robert "Bob" Dawson

COOKEVILLE-Funeral services for Mr. Robert Dawson, also affectionately known as 'Dr. Doom', age 74 of Cookeville, will be held Wednesday, October 31st at 12:00 p.m. at Cookeville First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Algood Heritage Cemetery. Mr. Dawson's family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home and again Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Robert (Bob) Erwin Dawson was born March 30, 1944, and peacefully made his transition, Wednesday, October 24, 2018, with his devoted wife of 35 years by his side at their home in Cookeville, TN. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, Bob was the oldest child of six children born to the union of Robert R. Dawson and Willie Pearl (Garrett) Dawson. Educated in Detroit Public Schools, he graduated from Northwestern High School. Always an avid sports fan, and outstanding athlete, Bob ran track, played basketball, football and baseball. While attending the University of Detroit he was drafted into the military. After serving four years in the United States Air Force, in 1968 he joined the Detroit Police Department. Bob was a highly decorated police officer, who served the Detroit community for 25 years. He had a generous heart and infectious smile establishing a connection with the citizens of one of the most crime ridden areas of Detroit. His unique leadership and crime prevention methods earned him numerous awards and recognition from the Michigan State Legislature. In 1983 Bob married Sarah Amanda Carver. With the support of his life partner, Bob continued his mission to teach children life skills on the courts and playfields. Bob was integral in the formation of The Police Athletic League (PAL); he coached numerous student athletes including a national championship team at Highland Park Community College; coach commissioner, and director of numerous pro athlete basketball camps. Robert and Sarah relocated to Cookeville in 1993. Bob gained employment with The Cookeville Department of Leisure services. There he and Mildred Garrett founded the Itty-Bitty Basketball Program that introduced children as young as three years old to the basics of basketball and physical fitness. Following retirement, he assisted the coaching staff at Avery Trace Middle School for a time as well as consulting other area schools' coaching staffs. He coached local girls and boys AAU team for years resulting in resounding success on a national level. Dr. Doom basketball camp he founded in 2006. This was yet again a chance to teach children about team work, discipline and dedication through physical fitness. The Dr doom camp continues to this day still teaching children which in the end is Roberts lasting legacy. Bob was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers Gregory Olan, Anthony Christopher; in-laws Isaac and Nina Carver; brother in-law Lon "Trapper" Carver. He leaves to celebrate his legacy the love of his life his loving wife Sarah; children, Michelle Lynn, Gregory Allen, Sgt. Amanda Blair Carver, Solon Shakuar Carver; siblings Stephanie Lynn, Valencia Ann, Darrel Allen; grandchildren, Christine, Justine, Briel Denai, Nadia Faye; devoted niece and care giver Sonya "Peaches" Carver; sisters-in-law Mildred Garrett, Sandra Hancock; Angela Dawson; brother-in-law Ricardo Carver; devoted and longtime friend, Percy Munn; a multitude of relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Also survived by his extended family of student athletes, team members and associates. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at hhhfunerals.com.