Ralph William Dawe, III, former City of Scottsboro Police Chief, former Scottsboro City Council member, beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend, passed away surrounded by family who loved him beyond measure on August 14, 2025. He was 67 years old.
Born on September 10, 1957 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ralph was the youngest of three children born to Irene DeMello Dawe and Ralph William Dawe, Jr. He grew up in Kaneohe alongside his sisters, Debbie Dawe Hauanio (Wallace “Moke” Hauanio), Christine Dawe Opiopio (Victor “Krash Kealoha” Opiopio), and half-brother “Eddie Boy” Wassman. His childhood was filled with the beauty of island life and the strong values of family, hard work and loyalty that would guide him throughout his life.
Ralph’s life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Roxanne, at a horse ranch called Camp Olomana. They spent countless days riding horses, caring for animals, and building a love as steady and enduring as the mountains surrounding them. The two were married on September 13, 1980, beginning a marriage defined by devotion, adventure and laughter.
Together they raised four children: Ralph William Dawe, IV (Brooklynn Dawe); Chantel Marie Kau’ionalani; Denise Lynne Leilokelani; and Taylor Pomahina (Clint Sebring). Ralph poured his whole heart into being a father, and later, a grandfather to his treasured grandchildren: Jayli, Liana, Khaila, Bryson, Leila, Kaitlyn, Ryder, Jude, Lexi and Emilia. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and nothing lit up his face more than their hugs, laughter and accomplishments.
In 1988, Ralph and his young family moved to Scottsboro, Alabama — a place he would come to call home. He dedicated 31 years to the Scottsboro Police Department, serving with honor, integrity and fairness. For approximately 13 of those years, he held the position of Police Chief, earning the respect and trust of the entire community. Chief Dawe was undeniably one of the most respected leaders of the Scottsboro Police Department. Dawe began his service to Scottsboro in March 1989 as a patrol officer. His talent for investigative work quickly became apparent, and he spent the next decade in the Detective Division, where he served as Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. In 2002, he was promoted to Major, assuming responsibility for all 71 employees of the department. Four years later, in 2006, he was appointed Chief of Police — a role in which he served with distinction until his retirement in 2020.
As Chief, he was a forward-looking and decisive leader. He championed modernization, advancing technology, equipment and training to ensure the department was prepared for the challenges of the future. His leadership strengthened capabilities, enhanced officer safety, and elevated the level of service provides to the community.
Chief Dawe was also a skilled investigator, working numerous high-profile homicide and robbery cases with diligence and determination. Over the course of his career, he received numerous commendations recognizing his professionalism, leadership and exceptional service to the citizens of Scottsboro. He was a proud member of the Hi-Jackson Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 and a graduate of the 194th session of the FBI National Academy — achievements that reflected his dedication to professional excellence and his commitment to the law enforcement profession.
Those who served alongside him will remember his professionalism, work ethic and unwavering commitment to the mission of law enforcement.
His vision, leadership and dedication will remain an enduring part of the department’s history for centuries to come. Not only did Dawe lead the department during his time as Chief, he also implemented a t-shirt campaign beginning in 2014 to support Sadye’s Fund and St. Jude’s Childhood Cancer, two organizations dear to his heart.
Though he wasn’t born here, Ralph became a deeply rooted part of Scottsboro, known for his leadership, honesty, unwavering moral compass and distinguished career. Following his law enforcement career, Ralph continued his lifelong commitment to serving others as a member of the Scottsboro City Council, Place 1. First elected in August 2020 and re-elected in August 2024, he worked tirelessly to ensure city employees were valued and fairly compensated so they could best serve our community. He championed efforts to make Scottsboro’s building codes more welcoming to developers and home builders, attract new industries and small businesses, and strengthen the city’s infrastructure to create a thriving, inviting place for both residents and visitors. Ralph’s steadfast dedication, thoughtful leadership, and genuine care for the people of Scottsboro will be remembered for years to come.
Outside of his work, Ralph lived a life full of adventure and love. Family vacations took them across the country — to Hawaii, Boston, Disney World, Six Flags, Orange Beach and beyond. He and Roxanne also enjoyed their own travels, whether it was gambling in Las Vegas, visiting with family in Boston, soaking in the beauty of Lake Tahoe, or simply enjoying quiet moments together.
Ralph had a lifelong passion for cars, rebuilding a 1970 GTO and painting it a striking candy apple red — a car that won awards at numerous shows. He was also an animal lover through and through, caring for horses, dogs, cats and just about any creature that crossed his path.
Above all, Ralph’s life was built on a foundation of family. He worked hard, loved deeply and always put the needs of those he loved before his own. He taught by example — to do the right thing, to stand up for what you believe in, and to never waver when it comes to those you love.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Roxanne; his children Ralph IV (Brooklynn), Chantel, Denise, and Taylor (Clint); his cherished grandchildren; his sisters Debbie and Christine; and countless extended family and friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Ralph Jr., and half brother “Eddie Boy” Wassman.
His life was a testament to integrity, love, and service. Though he is gone from our sight, his legacy will live on in the values he instilled, the stories he shared, and the love he poured into everyone around him.
A memorial service honoring Ralph’s life will be held at Scottsboro Funeral Home located 1502 County Park Road, Scottsboro, AL 35769 on August 30, 2025. (Details to follow.) In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sadye’s Fund and St. Jude’s Childhood Cancer.
Ralph was a longtime friend of The Clarion. We are thankful for his many years of service and leadership in our community. His legacy will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.
