Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Dawkins received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in 1932 and a Bachelor of Laws from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1934.
The younger Dawkins was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 31, 1953, and received his commission four days later.
Dawkins assumed senior status due to a certified disability on August 6, 1973, at which time his successor, Tom Stagg was appointed by President Richard Nixon.
Dawkins continued to serve in senior status until his death eleven years later on August 31, 1984, in Shreveport.
[1] Recorded interviews (audiotape and written transcripts) of Judge Ben C. Dawkins Jr. are located in the Louisiana State University, Shreveport library archives.