Robert Mike Dorriety Jr.

Born in Birmingham on January 18, 1945 to Robert Sr. and Margaret Dorriety, Mike was a proud graduate of Banks High School in the January Class of 1963. It was while he was in high school and working at the East Lake Library that Mike met the love of his life, Joy Bassham. The couple married on June 4, 1966, beginning their lifelong journey together.

After graduating from Howard College (Samford University) in 1966 with a degree in Business Administration, Mike followed in his father's footsteps and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. His service took place during the height of the Cold War, where he notably served in northern Alaska commanding an early warning station tasked with tracking Soviet aircraft challenging American airspace.

Upon completing his service in 1970, Captain Dorriety returned home to Birmingham with Joy to raise their family. He began a successful career with Thompson Tractor Company and settled into life as a devoted father to his two girls, Kelly and Kerry. An avid outdoorsman and marksman, Mike was also a lifelong and faithful member of East Lake United Methodist Church.

To his family, he was known simply as "Buddy". He was their solid rock and guiding light, a steady presence who will be deeply missed.

Mike is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Joy; his daughters, Kelly Love and Kerry Reid (Danny); his beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin Tracy (Ben), Bo Love, Tays Love, and Patrick Reid; great grandchildren, Rose and Simon Tracy; his sister, Peggy Jones (Jimmy), and many nieces and nephews.

He will be interred among his fellow veterans at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo on Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. A memorial service will be held at East Lake United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. The family requests that memorials be made to East Lake United Methodist Church.