James Lewis Dodson, Jr. 74, passed away during the evening hours of Wednesday (November 27, 2019) surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on August 17, 1945 in Hagerstown, MD to the late James Lewis Dodson & Emma Louise (Long) Rousch.
Jim was an avid UT fan. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He retired from Eastman Chemical Company after 30 years of dedicated service. Jim unselfishly served our country in the United States Air Force as a USAFSS Silent Warrior. Jim was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend; he will be greatly missed.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Beasley.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 30 years, Deborah Sue Dodson; three daughters, Buffy Manning & husband Butch, Tracy Ramsey & husband Brian, and Pamela Ratliff & husband Kyle; son, Chris Dodson & wife Krissie; two sisters, Beverly Chrisman & husband Chris and Barbara Copes & husband Marion; brother-in-law, Louie Beasley; six grandchildren, Brittany Manning, Jamie Manning, Daniel Ramsey, Derek Ramsey, Easton Ratliff, and Levi Ratliff; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday (December 1, 2019) from noon to 2 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Jimmy Long officiating.
James will be entombed on Sunday (December 1, 2019) at 3 p.m. in Mausoleum III at East Lawn Memorial Park. Sons-in-law and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org; 800-873-6983).
Online condolences may be made to the Dodson family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Dodson family.
