Joel Lee Dawkins, 78, of Sky Valley, passed away February 25, 2017 at his home.  Joel was born in Porterdale, Georgia, the son of the late Bennie Lee Dawkins and the late Frances McCart Dawkins.

After high school, he attended and graduated from The Woodrow Wilson School of Law, with a LLB Degree. He served in the National Guard for many years. He had a long and illustrious career as the Purchasing Agent with Hercules, Inc. in Oxford, GA until his retirement in 1997.  He and his loving wife of 60 years moved to Sky Valley where he enjoyed his favorite hobby, golf, and was a founding member of The Sky Valley Country Club.  Joel also gave back to the community by serving as past treasurer for the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund and the Sky Valley Property Owners Association.  He was also involved in many other charities and organizations.  He was a member of High Point Baptist in Covington, Ga.

Joel is survived by Helen Loyd Dawkins, his wife of 60 years; a son, Greg Dawkins (Dianne) of Marietta, GA; a daughter, Jenny D. Allen (Roger) of Covington, GA; five grandchildren: Nathan, Noah, and Nicholas Dawkins, Selina Hall (Terry), and Richard Kimbrell; three great-grandchildren: Adam Burch, Kody Rogers, Logan Hall; and sister Mollye Parish (Raymond) of Covington, GA.

The family is planning to have a memorial service in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in memory of Joel be given to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.