Last seen ascending easterly towards the sunrise.
Born in Semmes, AL August 25, 1920, into a family whose values instilled a love of all things botanical. At a young age, he added photography to his repertoire, and throughout his life documented his many travels and experiences in film. He graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, AL, then attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute from 1938 to 1940 before it became Auburn University, and remained an active Auburn Alumni over the years. He finished his studies at Troy State with a degree in History in 1964.
In 1939 he took his first flight from Auburn Airport, and proceeded to become a licensed pilot in 1940, leading to his entry into the Army Air Corps in 1942, until he retired in 1966. By that point he had flown on 3 continents, and roughly 70 airplanes, helicopters, and experimental aircraft.
In 1942 he married Mary Elizabeth Evans of Butler, AL, and they had 3 children, Elizabeth Evans, William Ray Jr, and David Franklin.
Following his military service, he returned to the realm of horticulture in rejoining Tom Dodd Nurseries, as well as starting his own nursery dedicated to rare plants. He pursued his passion for plants heading up the Mobile Parks Department from 1971-1984, helping to start the Mobile Botanical Gardens, working closely with the Magnolia Society and Camellia Society, active in the Alabama Wildflower Society, and a lifetime member of the Azalea Society of America.
Once fully retired, he moved to Lillian AL, and proceeded to dote on his wife until her passing, and then spoil his grandchildren and great grandchildren while also entertaining them with a never ending series of photos and stories from all over the world.
He has left us to join his wife, Mary Elizabeth Evans Dodd, and sons, William Ray Dodd Jr, and David Franklin Dodd.
Those of us who remain are: his brother John Dodd, his daughter Elizabeth Dodd, daughter-in-law Juanita Dodd, grandchildren Robert (Kathi) Dodd, John (Maybelline) Dodd, and Christine (Brook) Martson, great grandchildren Taylor Dodd, and Nolan and Aubrielle Martson, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and acquaintances.
There will be a private graveside service on Saturday, August 15th for immediate family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lillian Recreational Park, home of his last project – the Bill and Mary Dodd Native Azalea Garden. Lillian Recreational Park, P.O. Box 865, Lillian, AL 36549. Website lillianrecreationalpark.org.
The world will forever be a smaller place without him to remind of us the wonder that awaits.
