Willie James Dawkins

Willie James Dawkins was born August 8, 1946 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Doretha Dawkins Herlong and Calvin Corley. He departed this life on April 15, 2024.

He was affectionally known as “Chubby” and grew up in West Columbia. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1964 where he was a trumpet player in the band.

He attended Benedict College and later received an Associate degree in Accounting from Rutledge College in Columbia, SC.

Chubby was a Master Sergent in the United States Air Force. He joined the Air Force in 1965 and served his country while embracing tours of duty in Homestead Fl, San Antonio Texas, Amarillo Texas, Columbus Mississippi, South Vietnam, Kindley Bermuda, South Korea, Turkey, and England.

During his military service, Chubby earned the following honors; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service medal with 3rd Device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short-Term Service ribbon, National Defense Service medal and various other distinguished awards.

Chubby always had a deep love for his family, friends, the Air Force and the community of West Columbia. He was a kind-hearted and easy-going person. He loved watching westerns.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers; Joseph Bernard Herlong and John Cecil Herlong.

Chubby leaves to cherish his memories: one son, Lauren “Spanky” (Gail) Odom; one daughter, Dorothea “Dee” (David) Dawkins-Haigler, 3 sisters; Henrietta Herlong Taylor, Jackie (Ken) Herlong Moseley and Kathy (John) Herlong Johnson. He has 9 grandchildren; Christopher, Christyn, Hannah and Joshua Haigler, Margaret, Allen, I’Esha, Laura and Lauryn Odom; 5 great grandchildren; 3 uncles, 3 aunts 7 nieces, 2 nephews and a host of loving great-nieces, great-nephews and other relatives. 

Chubby was also blessed to have 2 special lifelong friends, Ernest Golson and Tom Hall. The family tremendously appreciate the love and support that both of them showed to Chubby especially during his illness.

Chubby will be truly missed, but will forever live on in our hearts.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to Pressley Cares Mortuary Services of West Columbia, SC.

Pressley Cares Mortuary Services…”Caring For You and Your Loved One!!!”

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