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William Dodson Obituary


William S. Dodson CHESAPEAKE - Dr. William Smith Dodson passed away Oct. 7, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving family. The son of the late Eldridge and the late Ruth Dodson, Dr. Dodson was born Dec. 12, 1933, in Spring Garden, Va. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. and Mrs. Alice Dodson moved to the Kirchmier family farm in 1965. Dr. Dodson was one of Portsmouth's first oral surgeons, practicing from 1960 to his retirement in 2005. A true Southern gentleman, Dr. Dodson was a loving husband and father who dedicated his life to helping others. He played an integral role in bringing the "Pokey Smokey" train to Portsmouth and was a former club president and longtime Rotarian with both the Portsmouth and North Suffolk Rotary clubs. Dr. Dodson was honored with the Simmons Award earlier this year which is presented to the Tidewater Dental Association member who has unselfishly given of his time and talent for the betterment of dentistry through the years. Truly a Hampton Roads pioneer in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Dodson had served as chief of staff at Portsmouth General Hospital. He will be dearly missed by his family, colleagues and many friends. Dr. Dodson is survived by his wife of 51 years, Alice Kirchmier Dodson; his four sons, Dr. William S. Dodson Jr. and wife Yvonne, John J. Dodson, Dr. Stanton F. Dodson and wife Cindy, Timothy P. Dodson and wife Vanessa; his daughter, Alison Dodson Anderson and husband Tom; and 13 grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am. Friday in St. Paul's Catholic Church, Portsmouth, by the Rev. Michael G. Boehling. Burial will follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Baker-Foster Funeral Home, Bennett's Creek Chapel, Suffolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his loving memory to St. Paul's Catholic Church Restoration Fund, 518 High St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 or to Taylor Bend Family YMCA, 4626 Taylor Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dodson

Not sure what to say?





Amy Stuck

October 20, 2008

Tim, Vanessa and family,

I was so sorry to hear the news. We have been out of town. Please let us know if you need anything.

The Stucks'

Robin Huffman

October 19, 2008

Mrs. Dodson, John, Bill and family--
I just learned from my mother of your loss. I am so sorry and hold you all in my prayers. I have such special fond memories of Dr. Dodson and all the family during John's and my senior year in high school. My family still laughs at his wicked sense of humor in calling John and having him in the recovery room after my wisdom teeth were removed the next year! (I seem to recall John relishing finally being able to have the last word, since I wasn't able to talk!)

Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers and that I remember you all fondly. Best wishes.

Robin Byrd Huffman
(formerly of Sunbury, NC)

Debbie Walker-McCarter

October 17, 2008

My grandparents, (Alex and 'Sis' Walker) lived across the street from your family for years. Growing up, I think their home and yours were the only two homes on Portsmouth Blvd. after going over the Hodges Ferry bridge towards Chesapeake. Such a long time ago.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of your family and friends.

Kathy Baumgardner

October 13, 2008

Dear Alice and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have just heard of Dr. Dodson's passing and know you and your family are in my prayers for God to comfort you through this time. I spoke with you many times when I was employed with J.F. Whitlow.
Sincerely,

Scott & Susie Brittingham

October 11, 2008

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Scott & Susie

Les Lemasters

October 11, 2008

Mrs. Dodson and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I had the pleasure of talking to Dr. only a few times, however, he left a lasting impression on me. He sounded like such a kind hearted gentleman, who's world revolved around his kids and grandkids. I'll always remember him for the Christmas lights in the yard. He will truely be missed.

Shelly Houston

October 10, 2008

Dodson Family --
We're thinking of you across the miles this week. We're so glad we were able to spend time with you at Alison's wedding. When things settle down, please consider paying us a visit in Boise or Sun Valley. We'll share a toast and a prayer for Bill tonight. Much love -- Dr. Bill, Betty Jean, Kelly & Shelly Houston

Mark McGahee

October 10, 2008

Bill & John,

Jan and I want to pass along our condolences & our thoughts and prayers.

Carter & Pat Murray

October 10, 2008

Alice and children,

Our deepest sympathy and our prayers are with you and the family.

Love, Carter, Pat & Children

Thom Wiggins

October 10, 2008

My daughter Lori was a patient of his and always spoke very highly of him. Always spoke to me every time I saw him.

Sharon Scott

October 9, 2008

October 09, 2008

Offering my sincere condolences to the Dodson family. May God comfort you and give you the strength to face this time of sorrow.

Love and Prayers
Sharon Scott - Family

Linda Chao-yu Su

October 9, 2008

I will miss him dearly. He had been my doctors for years. My sincere condolences goes to his family and friends.

Linda Su

Gary Spivey

October 9, 2008

I'm very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Dodson. He was an excellent oral surgeon and great individual. I remember that he would always take the time out of his busy schedule to talk to people and make them feel that he really cared about how their lives were going. He will be missed by many.

Monica Brickett

October 9, 2008

I thank you all for the time I spent with Doc. Taking care of him was a pleasure and may God comfort and give you all peace.
Love & Prayers,
Monica & Family

Jody Foley

October 9, 2008

I have many fond memories of Dr. Dodson, especially hearing him call me by the nickname he gave me as a child! He will be missed by us all!

Love, Jody Rain-Water

Cheryl Duhon

October 9, 2008

Mrs. Dodson and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Dodson's passing. I had great respect for him as both a physician and fellow human being. He has left a great legacy in his family and his good works. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Dodd Duhon

Captain Bob Weintraub

October 9, 2008

He will be missed by a lot of people,he was a Southern Gentleman. He always had a smile & would when I met him at the marina or anywhere else,ask how are you & how is your family.We will miss not seeing him on his boat for sure.

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