Walter Lee Dawkins

Memorial services for Walter Lee Dawkins, 89, of Tyler were held March 25 at Tyler Memorial Park.

Mr. Dawkins died March 23, 2008 in Tyler.

He was born in Letohatchie, Ala., to Eula Lee Ammons Dawkins and Walter Monroe Dawkins.

He was a graduate of Crenshaw County High School, Highland Home, Ala., and attended Troy State College on an athletic scholarship. Mr. Dawkins was offered a contract with the Boston Braves in the spring of 1941, but chose to enter the Army Air Corps, serving in World War II and Korea. He was active in the armed services baseball leagues and received the Air Force medal for Meritorious Service in 1961. After retiring from the Air Force in 1966, he was a truck salesman at Ryder, Mack and International trucks. He was also a Little League coach.

Survivors include children, Walter Dawkins, Whitehouse, Kathy Hale, Fort Meyers Beach, Fla., Carol Jones, Austin, and Nan Dawkins, Leesburg, Va.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Tyler Memorial Funeral Home.