Excell Virgil Lee Dawkins

March 16, 1934 - October 25, 2018

Excell Virgil Lee Dawkins was born on March 16, 1934, to Eugene and Ida Dawkins in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Excell was the sixth child born to this union. Excell attended the Colored Aberdeen Public School System. He moved with his family to Saint Louis during his 10th grade of studies. Excell accepted Christ at an early age. He was an active member of churches in Aberdeen like Payne Chapel M.B. Church; of his home church in St. Louis, Mount Herald Missionary Baptist Church singing in the choirs, and a long membership in the St. Louis Southern Gateway Wonders Quartet singing group where he flourished as an alto and occasionally lead singer. His God given gift and love for singing was truly a blessing for all. His family and friends embraced and supported his singing. Excell was also known as “Ex”. He was an avid professional and college football fan. Another choice past time was listening to the Blues music genre of which he had many favorite Blues singers. Whenever called upon, Ex was always willing to help others. If family or neighbors needed someone walked to school, he was the neighborhood designated adult that made sure quite a few children arrived to school and made it home on time and safely. Ex assisted neighbors with many found blessings such as checking on and helping the sick/elderly with neighborhood shopping, helping anybody move heavy items, and especially mowing lawns. Ex was a friend to all. He never met a stranger. He expressed a love and care for all of those he met. He was usually calm, cook, and collective about most situations. He would often talk with wisdom and share his life experiences that makes him very noteworthy. For those reasons he was called “The King” and “King Ex”. On Thursday, October 25, 2018, Excell Dawkins peacefully departed this earthly life to a place that is free from sickness, sorrow, and pain. His parents ~ as well as eight siblings: George Moore (Lillie), Rosie Lee Franks (James), Carson Dawkins (Lucinda), Arthur Dawkins (Francis), Louise Dawkins (Henry Jr.), Robert Dawkins (Conchita) (Gloria), Elijah Dawkins (Whitney), and Cittie Dawkins (Roger) preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: two daughters ~ Vanessa Ewing ~ Shalmorria Yates~ (1) granddaughter Ashley Ewing~ a host of nieces and nephews~ great~ great-great~ great-great-great nieces and nephews~ many cousins and many friends