Alan"Big "Big Al" Dorr

Alan "Big Al" Dorr passed away in the early morning of May 9, 2025, at the age of 90.
Self-described as "Ten feet tall and bulletproof", Alan Valdamar Dorr was born In New Bedford, Massachusetts on March 21, 1935 to Harold and Marion Dorr. He was raised in the small coastal town of Marion, Massachusetts, where his parents instilled in him a love and respect for this country and its founding.
Alan graduated from Tabor Academy (High School) in the spring of 1953 and by October of 1953 had enlisted in the United States Air Force. One year later, he had the opportunity to enter the Aviation Cadet program, where he started flight school. In February 1956, after successfully completing flight school, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant.
"Lurch", as he was known to his flying buddies, progressed through training at several bases, before being stationed at Tyndall AFB, in the Florida panhandle, to train in the F-102. As a fighter/interceptor pilot, he trained to be the "Tip of the Spear" during the cold war period.
While at Tyndall, he met the love of his life, Virginia "Ginger" Cockrell and they were married in July 1960.
They remained married until her passing in 2020.
In 1968, he began training at Eglin AFB as a forward air controller (FAC), flying the OV-10 Bronco. After training, He was deployed to Vietnam and stationed at Bien Hoa Airbase. As an Air Force pilot FAC, he wore the 1st Cavalry Division (AirMobile) shoulder patch on his uniform indicating that he worked in coordination with Army Air Cavalry units.
On a humorous note, in 1974, after helping a visiting Marine Squadron from Atlanta build an "Adult Refreshment Outpost", he was made an honorary Marine 2nd Lt, complete with a Marine flight jacket adorned with an embossed name tag, a written presentation, and a plaque.
At the time of his retirement from the Air Force in 1976 he was the Executive Officer of the Interceptor Weapons Training School with over 5,000 hours of flight time including 450 combat hours.
During his career, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal three times, and several more.
After his Air Force career, he earned a degree in accounting from the University of West Florida, graduating summa cum laude.
He began his career as an accountant with McInvale and Assoc, later joining Segers and Sowell, before eventually retiring permanently.
Alan was fondly called "Papa Dorr" by the Mosley High School band, which he devotedly chaperoned from 1980 to 1982 while his children were members.
He and Ginger loved to travel, whether to Europe, cruising the Caribbean, or wherever Florida State had an away football game.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather providing much love, support and guidance over the years. He had a joyful spirit and a deep humility, embracing integrity and a life of service that left a lasting, positive impression on all who knew him.
Alan is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, his parents, Harold and Marion, and sister, Betsy.
He is survived by his son Michael (Michele), his daughter Valerie, his son Russell (Holly), granddaughters Sophia, Olivia, Audrey, Brooke, and Sarah Faith, and grandsons Larson, William, and Jacob, as well as extended family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
There will be a graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3733 US Hwy 231, on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
To extend condolences, please visit https://www.kentforestlawn.com/tributes/Alan-Dorr
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Alan"Big Al" Dorr, please visit our floral store.