Billy Joe Dotson

Mr. Billy Joe Dotson, 65, of Harlem, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his residence on December 8, 2025 in Harlem, Georgia, following an extended illness.

Mr. Dotson was born in Versailles, Kentucky to Mary Jean and Wallace Dotson on July 26, 1960. He went to school at Asbury College where he received his Bachelor's Degree; then to Augusta University where he went on to receive his Master’s and Specialist Degree.

He worked as a Teacher for Morgan Road Middle School for 30 years. He served as the president of Sent to Serve ministries (now known as Alef University) for 20 years where he spent 10 of those in Central America teaching, serving and pastoring.

He was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church where he spent his time helping with the food bank and spreading the Gospel to anyone and everyone. He also spent his time after retirement helping Alef University fundraise in order to teach and spread the Gospel all over the World.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jean and Wallace Lee Dotson; stepmother Edna Dotson; brother and sister-in-law, Barbara and Donald Dotson and brother, Ricky Dotson.

Mr. Dotson is survived by his lifelong best friend and caretaker, David Picarsic; daughter, Esther C. Tompkins and her husband David of Mitchell G.A.; grandchildren, Taylor (Patrick) Larson of Fayetteville T.N. Madison (Michael Littleton) Tompkins, Christian (Summer Henning) Phillips, Alexandra Moore, Mary Tyler Moore, Benjamin Moore II, David Tompkins II all of Mitchell; brother, Ray Dotson and sister, Virginia Duncan both of Kentucky; great-grandson, Leo Larson; great-granddaughter, Magnolia Neal along with many lifetime friends he called family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Mr. Dotson’s honor to Alef University 1888 Spring Shower Cir. Kissimmee, FL 34744, the mission he worked so hard to serve and the food bank at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church (School supplies included) 739 Highway 78, Harlem Ga. 30814.

The family of Mr. Dotson wishes to extend our sincere thanks and love to Nicki Thigpen, Rhi Rayburn and everyone at Allay Hospice.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11A.M. on Saturday December 13, 2025 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 739 Highway 78, Harlem, Ga. with the Rev. Mike Sutphin and Raul Zaldivar officiating. Anyone that wants to write down their favorite memory/story of memory of Mr. Dotson is welcome to bring to the celebration for the family. Visitation and food will follow at Mr. Dotson residence. Arrangements are by Fairhaven Funeral Home.