Garry R. Dodson

Garry Rease Dodson went to his reward in Heaven on December 14, 2010, after a brief illness. He was 49 years of age, having been born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 9, 1961, the third child of J. L. and Ila Dodson. Once he left school at Putnam City High School, he began helping his father in the family business in their home known as Dodson's TV Repair. He serviced TV's for about 9 years, then moved on to another expertise as a mechanic at May Avenue Sunoco Muffler Shop. On November 22, 1990 he married Linda Amick of Oklahoma City. From that union were born two sons, John Logan Dodson and Adam Morgan Dodson. In December of 1992, he was hired as a residential field appraiser at the Oklahoma County Assessor's Office. He remained in this position for about 8 years. His duties included doing physical inspections of residential and agricultural properties. He also inspected new construction sites where he inspected/appraised newly built homes. He was a hearing officer during the time period when individuals can protest their property values. He conducted informal appeals with taxpayers. He then became a sales analyst. He analyzed residential sales and used that information to help determine market values for all of the residential and agricultural properties in the County. His co-workers agreed that his analytical skills and computer skills were exceptional. Garry continued this work for a couple of years before he became a special project coordinator and crew chief. He organized field work for the residential appraisers, helped the sales analysts gather data and conducted informal hearings with taxpayers. His primary function was to aid his supervisor in special projects as well as assisting in making sure the day to day operations of the department were going smoothly. He also represented the Assessor's Office in formal appeals in front of the County Board of Equalization during this time period. He retired from the Oklahoma County Assessor's Office in November of 2008 after nearly 16 years, when his health began to decline. Garry was proud to support any military operation, had a continuous mission to buy any product that was made here in the USA, supported the Boy Scouts of America, which his sons are very active in; dearly loved dogs, fishing and came from a long line of devout Oklahoma Sooner fans. Most of all, Garry was so very proud of his boys and all that they have accomplished. Garry is predeceased by his mother and father, J. L. and Ila Dodson and his brother, Jerry Lynn Dodson. He is survived by his brother, Terry Doyle Dodson, of Oklahoma City; his two sons, John Logan Dodson and Adam Morgan Dodson also of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his uncle and cousins in Salem, Ohio, an aunt, uncle and cousins in Pinellas Park, Florida and Kansas City, Missouri, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Pocola, Poteau and Howe, Oklahoma, a section in Oklahoma very dear to his heart, where he had lots of fond memories as a child. Throughout his adult life, his electrical and mechanical skills and/or his pick-up truck were called upon from friends-in-need. There were countless occasions when Garry was asked to fix someone's TV, move them in or out of their home, fix their brakes, change their flat tire, etc. Garry always gave of himself to help a friend facing a dilemma. All those whose lives were touched by his endearing compassion would agree that he gave from his heart. Only a few of Garry's circle of family and friends knew that inside Garry's persona was a lifelong struggle with substance abuse. There was a relentless pain of depression that tugged at his soul, that kept him from succeeding in recovery. If you or someone you know suffers from substance abuse, understand you are not alone, and contact A Chance to Change (405-840-9000 or Info@achancetochange.org) to learn more and get help. Please visit Garry's online memorial at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com.