Arthur Bennard Dawkins, 62, entered into eternal rest on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, NC.

He was born on June 5, 1961, in Cleveland County, NC to Benjamin Arthur Dawkins and Ethel Hoey Dawkins.

At an early age Arthur gave his life to Jesus Christ and joined Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

Arthur, lovingly called Nard, was a 1979 graduate of Crest High School and soon entered the US Army after graduating. Arthur's service was in Grafenwöhr, Germany. Arthur served his country and was honorably discharged in 1982. Arthur served as a firefighter with Shelby Fire Department and later worked for Duke Power as a licensed electrician.

Arthur was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Freeman and Hattie (Nance) Dawkins, his maternal grandparents, John and Amanda (Posey) Hoey. In addition to his grandparents, Arthur was preceded in death by his brother Bryan Russell Dawkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Benjamin Arthur Dawkins and Ethel Hoey Dawkins of Shelby, NC. He leaves to cherish his memory, brother, Keith Dawkins (Clarice) of Fairfax, VA and sister, Abigail Dawkins Banner (Tyrone) of Concord, NC. He leaves to cherish his memory two children, Atlas Brown of Shelby, NC and Ashley Dawkins of St. Petersburg, FL. He had one nephew, Justin Goodson. He also had four nieces, Reyna Dawkins, ERYN Dawkins, Samantha Dawkins, and Jade Banner. He had eight grandsons, one great grandson, and two great granddaughters. He had two aunts Selma Brewton and Hattie Hall both of Shelby, NC. He had a "special" friend Carolyn Dixon and a host of family and friendsfrom Asheville, NC and the local community.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Shoal Creek Baptist Church, with the receiving of friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Salisbury National Cemetery.