Dawson C. Whitkopf, age 86, of Dyersburg, TN, passed away on December 29, 2025, at the Methodist Germantown Hospital in Memphis.

Born on October 6, 1939, in Imlay City, MI, to the late Forest and Helen Owens Whitkopf. Dawson was a retired Human Resource Manager for Hoover Universal and the owner of the Driving Range Batting Cages in Dyersburg. He was a 1957 graduate of Imlay Community School and a 1964 graduate of Olivet College in Michigan. Dawson was an active member of the community, participating in the Toastmasters International and serving as an officer in the State of Tennessee Diabetes Association. Dawson was one of the oldest type 1 diabetics in the state of Tennessee. He was also on the board of the Newbern Library. A member of Grace Methodist Church, Dawson sang in both the Methodist and Community Choirs. He was an avid golfer, a history buff, a world traveler, and coached girls' basketball.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Susan Pierce Whitkopf of Dyersburg, TN; two daughters, Judi Whitkopf McGuire (M. Kelly) and Jennifer Dawn Whitkopf Bates (Andrew) all of Collierville, TN; three brothers, Owen Whitkopf of Charlotte, MI, Thomas L. Whitkopf of Imlay City, MI and Randy Whitkopf of Metamora, MI; a sister, Leah Whitkopf Montroy of Imlay City, MI; six grandchildren, Myles McGuire (Elizabeth), Madison McGuire Powell (Will), McLane McGuire (Madeleine), Aubrey Dawson Bates, Ayden Davis Bates and Alexis Nicole Bates; and four great-grandchildren, Dawson Ford McGuire, Owens Elizabeth Powell, Pierce Marie Powell and Jack Burns McGuire. He was proceeded in death by his sister, Linda Whitkopf Musselman in 2020.

Cremation services are under the direction of Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Grace Methodist Church, 2240 Parr Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024.

Dyersburg Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Dawson Whitkopf. Online condolences can be made to the family at dyersburgfuneralhome.net