At 81 this doctor is only "semi-retired"...

Dr. George Dawson may have retired from his family medicine practice a dozen years ago, but his care for patients continues.

Dawson, 81, first came to Abilene in 1958 when he was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. After two years in the military, he set up his medical office.

Dawson is medical director of Hospice of the Big Country.

"I am only semiretired," he said. Dawson's work takes him to homes or other facilities where hospice care is provided. It might be only a few blocks away or it might an hour's drive from Abilene. He puts in a lot of miles and time in helping people who need hospice care.

"My new role in work permits me to spend a lot more time with patients," Dawson said.

He said since he has more time now than he did in regular practice, he might spend an hour or more talking to patients.

He and his wife, Dorthy, live at Wesley Court in far south Abilene.

Kent Herring, executive director or Wesley Court, said Dawson and Dorthy were great supporters of their retirement center.

Dawson gets a lot of questions from other residents at Wesley Court who may need medical care.

According to Peggy Thomas, a resident of Wesley Court, residents sometime ask medical advice of Dawson.

"I can direct them to the proper medical people, " Dawson said.

Dawson has been a member of the Rotary Club for over 50 years.

"Dr. Dawson helps put flags up and takes them down here at Wesley Court for special holidays," Herring said. "He is a big supporter of our employees."

Herring said Dawson volunteers his time and do in-service for the staff in educating them on hospice care.

"He (Dr. Dawson) rarely gets through a meal here at Wesley Court without being called." Thomas said. She said he usually leaves immediately to check on his hospice patients.

"George and his wife have children and grandchildren who will have quite a challenge to follow the example they have set for them," Thomas said. "George is truly an Everyday Hero."