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1929
2014
DENISON - Billy Fay Dozier, age 84, entered into eternal life Saturday, April 19, 2014 at The Terrace of Denison.
Mr. Dozier was born October 10, 1929 in Bailey, Texas the son of Clifton and Cletha (Bradshaw) Dozier. He started the playing mandolin when he was 6 years old. He picked cotton and got his first guitar for $3.00. At the age of 8, his father taught him to play the fiddle.
His family moved to Denison, Texas when he was 14. He started playing school shows then moved to Kilgore, Texas in 1957, then began and played local clubs and shows with Jim Reeves. He moved to Lawton, Okla. and joined Tommy Alsup and "The Soutenaires" and stayed with him until 1950. Billy then moved to Bonham, Texas where he met his wife, Mary Helen McGee and married in 1950.
In 1951 he went to the service and was stationed in Augusta, Ga. along with Billy Bowman, Don Davis and Frankie Horner. They put a band together and played USO shows and worked at the VFW for two years. Later he joined Leon McAuliffe in 1954; they worked together for 12 years. During that time he had the privilege of playing back up for Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter, Eddie Arnold and many others. He quit the band in 1965, wanting to be home with his family and fulfill his desire to be a father.
In 1995, he retired from Crane Carrier Company and moved back to Denison, where he still played on weekends with local bands. He was inducted into the Western Swing Music Hall of Fame in Sacramento, Calif. in 1990, Heroes of Western Music in 2001 and Texas Western Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Billy leaves behind his beloved daughter, Kim Dozier of Irving, Texas, brother, James Dozier of Sawyer, OK and cousins, Gene Dozier and Bootsy McGue.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Hebron Baptist Church with Pastor Houston Garner officiating. Interment will follow in Hebron Cemetery in Bells. There is no set time for family visitation.
Condolences may be registered online at www.fisherfh.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home in Denison.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I miss you. I always looked forward to you coming by and visiting me at Hoyte Dodge in Sherman. You were a genuine friend. I miss those cups of coffee and talks.
Barry O’Brien
Friend
June 7, 2021
Via con dios my friend. A great player and friend to everyone. Made the world a better place while he was here. Thank you for sharing your gift of music for us to enjoy.
barbara martin
April 30, 2014
God Bless Bill Dozier and condolences to his dear family. I was fortunate to see Mr Dozier perform several times over the years at LCCS in Ruidoso...One show that was very incredible Tommy Allsup put together an all star swing jazz guitar showcase on stage on Billy's B-Day and he was set up front and showcased...Under the X in Texas salutes you sir.
Ted Branson
April 30, 2014
I first met Billy when I was playing fiddle with Tiny Colbert on KRRV. At that time he was working with Leon McCauliff and had stopped by for a visit and performed with us. He will no doubt be missed by many. I was really empressed with him and his musical abilities
Durwood Haddock
April 23, 2014
April 22, 2014
Another good man gone to the eternities, may he rest in eternal peace, play your guitar for the angels now brother.
Just a friend
April 22, 2014
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