Dr. Byron R. Dozier

Dr. Byron R. Dozier departed this life on April 13, 2025, at age 76, in Lexington, Ky.
A resident of Paint Lick, Ky., Dr. Dozier is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter, Lauren (Alfonso) Dozier; sister, Sandy (Charles) Hill; nephew, Justin (Rosalie) Allen; niece, Kristi Hillard, and her children, Kasey and Bret. He also held dear many longtime friends, including his neighbors on Country Estates Drive and members of the Pine Grove Sporting Clays club.
Dr. Dozier was born in Danville, Ky., on Jan. 9, 1949, and was preceded in death by his parents, David and Joann. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Also known as "Doc" by clients and friends, Dr. Dozier was a renowned small-animal physician and surgeon for more than 40 years. He established his practice, Berea Animal Hospital, in Berea, Ky., in 1976, and quickly became a fixture in the community. His waiting room was typically crowded with pets and their people, and he regularly worked late nights and weekends, never turning away an animal in need. He was an expert diagnostician, skillful in treating difficult cases. After selling his practice in 2005, Dr. Dozier continued seeing patients at veterinary clinics in Madison and Fayette counties for nearly 15 more years.
Away from work, Dr. Dozier found sanctuary in nature. As an avid outdoorsman and bass fisherman, he rarely missed an opportunity to cast a line, reveling in the peace of the lake and the thrill of the catch. In retirement, he could often be found amid the early-morning fog on Cedar Creek, perched in a tree stand, or shooting clay pigeons on a hilltop.
Dr. Dozier possessed a unique intellect, curiosity and good humor. He was a wonderful mentor to those lucky enough to learn from him, sharing his wealth of knowledge on everything from fishing to photography. He enjoyed mastering new skills and subjects, asking meaningful questions and contemplating life's great mysteries - the answers to which he now has.
As Dr. Dozier passed from this life to the next, we imagine he made a special stop at the Rainbow Bridge, where he was greeted by a thunderous chorus of paws, purring and excited yelps from the countless animals he cared for so well.
He is beloved by many, missed beyond measure and forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakes Funeral Home in Berea, Ky., with funeral services immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dr. Dozier's name to the Madison County Animal Shelter.