Reflections of Life
Leslie Edwin Dawson, affectionately known as "Chuck", was
born August 27, 1934, in Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands,
to the late Arnold and Naomi Agatha Williams Dawson.
He was one of two children, and his sister preceded
him in death.

Chuck gave his life to Christ at an early age. He
began his life in the Virgin Islands and moved to the
Bronx in New York, where he matured from early
childhood to a young man.
After graduating from high school, Chuck
joined the United States Air Force, where he
served our great country for 24 years. There he
received numerous accommodations and medals.
He specialized in fabrication and parachute
technology. During his service time, he coached
baseball, which was one of his favorite sports.
When he retired, he achieved the rank of Master
Sergeant.

Chuck received his Bachelor's degree in 1978 in the State
of Kansas. He then moved to Grambling, Louisiana,
and obtained his Master's degree. He pledged Kappa
Alpha Psi graduate chapter. He worked for 33 years
at Grambling State University as Equipment
Manager, and he was the first certified
equipment manager of all Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCU's). Before
he retired from GSU, he was the first to start
sending student managers to do pro internships
with Black colleges.

Chuck was the first African-American to sit on the
Douglas Shoulder Pad Research Committee. Because of his extensive

knowledge of the athletic equipment, Chuck sat on
different research committees, and many large
corporations consulted him regarding some of
the decisions on equipment distribution.

His love for sports extended from the university,
because he was one of the number one fans of the
New York Mets, the New York Giants, and the New
York Knicks. He also enjoyed Louisiana Downs
horse racing.
More than anything, Chuck's love for Martha Gail
Ratcliff Foster surpassed any sport or activity. They
began a beautiful relationship more than 20 years ago,
and on March 14, 2014, they committed themselves to
each other for life. His love for her was truly special, and
those memories they shared will guide her through the
challenges in the days to come.

Chuck leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife, Martha Gail
Dawson of Ruston, LA; one stepson, JaJuan Foster; one that he loved as if
he were his son, George Stubbs; five sisters-in-law, Lillie Ratcliff, Dorothy
Jean Ratcliff, Patricia Hughes, Barbara Ratcliff, and Zetta Harrison; three
brothers-in-law, Leroy Ratcliff, James Ratcliff, and Samuel Ratcliff, all of
Hattiesburg, MS; his Grambling State University Family; his St. Luke's
Epicsopal Chapel's family, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and
friends.