David Antoine Dottin

David Antoine Dottin lived his life with vibrancy, generosity, and kindness until his peaceful passing on January 12, 2026, in Lexington, Kentucky. He was born on April 12, 1961, in Paris, Kentucky, to the late Wilma Jean Marks Dottin and Samuel Ransom Jr. David was later adopted by Reuben Dottin Jr. and was blessed to have meaningful relationships with both his adoptive father and his biological father. His life's journey was marked by love, dedication, and service, and his warm presence, quick smile, and unmistakable laugh were a beacon of light to all who were fortunate to know him.

David was the cherished husband of the love of his life, Katanya Madison, with whom he shared more than 32 years of partnership, friendship, and a lifetime of stories that usually ended with laughter. He was a devoted father to his "bookends," as he lovingly called his children, a son and a daughter who filled his life with pride, purpose, and more joy than he ever let on. His son and son-in-love, Brandon (Blair) Dottin-Haley, and his beloved daughter, Desiree Dottin, whom he affectionately called his "Princess," were the center of his world, and he took great pride in watching them grow, succeed, and become exactly who they were meant to be. He would always end his letters, cards, or text messages with his signature sign-off: + + U!

He was a treasured brother to Kevin (Charlene) Dottin, Craig (Maria) Dottin, Delaneo (Latanya) Fomas, Samuel (Shelby) Ransom III, and Jody (Winta) Pope, and a constant source of support and humor to his sisters, Karen (Collin) Dottin-Ricketts, LaChele (the late Lucian) Taylor, and (while she's a first cousin, she's close enough to a sister) Terri (Ray) Speller. David's role as uncle, cousin, and family historian came with jokes, advice, and the occasional knowing look when he thought someone should already have the answer. His influence extended to countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, all of whom benefited from his kindness, generosity, and ability to lighten any room.

David's academic journey culminated in his graduation from Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University, an achievement that laid the foundation for an accomplished career in civil service and human resources. He began his federal career in December 1983 with the Department of Defense at Fort McPherson alongside a friend for life, Harold (Kim) Kilgour. His career later took him to Washington, DC, where he worked for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior until the Bureau of Mines closed. David briefly stepped away from government service to work at Howard University Hospital before returning to federal service. He ultimately retired on March 22, 2010, from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where he served as Chair of the Merit Promotion Board in the Office of Management. His leadership, professionalism, and steady fairness left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

Passionate about sports and the outdoors, David found peace and joy in fishing, whether he caught anything or not, because, for him, the point was never the fish, but the conversation. He especially loved fishing from the rocks at Colonial Beach, where patience was tested, stories were told, and laughter always followed.

An athlete at heart, David played high school basketball on the championship team at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School,where he would later be inducted into the CRLS Hall of Fame, under his longtime mentor and coach, Mike Jarvis. He also played community basketball at the Coast; the King School, Hoyt Field, The Mission and Corporal Burns alongside his closest friends, including Anthony Spears, Kevin Moore and the late Bill Ewing. Though he shared the court with future greats like Patrick Ewing, David was a standout in his own right and was recruited to play at Southern Connecticut State University before continuing at Clark College.

Coaching was truly his calling. Known affectionately as the community's coach, David was often seen transporting players in "Big Bertha," the family's beloved conversion van, which doubled as a team bus and a rolling classroom for life lessons. Even when he wasn't officially coaching, he made sure there was always space for his children and neighborhood youth to play basketball, believing deeply in the power of sports to build character, confidence, and community. David and Katanya were known to take as many children as "Big Bertha" could hold and spend summer weekends at the beach, spreading love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

A devoted sports fan, David was rarely happier than when cheering on his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, a loyalty that baffled many since he never lived in Texas and, as far as anyone knows, never visited Dallas. Still, his dedication never wavered, even in the toughest seasons.

From the bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the streets of Cambridge, from Atlanta to Washington, DC, David's greatest accomplishments were not measured by titles or promotions, but by the relationships he nurtured and the lives he touched. David Antoine Dottin leaves behind a legacy of warmth, loyalty, laughter, and irreplaceable character that will continue to inspire his family and wide circle of friends for generations to come. His memory will be held close as a source of comfort to those who mourn his absence while celebrating a life well lived.

David Antoine Dottin leaves behind a legacy of warmth, loyalty, and an irreplaceable character that will continue to inspire and guide his family and considerable circle of friends for generations to come. His memory will be held close, a comforting presence to those mourning his absence yet celebrating a life well-lived. He will forever be cherished by his children, brothers and sisters, his father, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from across the US.

David is preceded in transition by his Mother, Wilma Jean Marks Dottin, and adoptive father, Reuben Dottin Jr., his grandparents, Benjamin Franklin and Betty Marks, Eunice and Reuben Dottin Sr., Samuel and Lillian Ransom Sr., along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who were waiting to welcome him with Parliament and the Funkadelic on full blast.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Lusk McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main Street Paris, KY 40361.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the hour of service on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Lusk McFarland Funeral Home.

The Celebration of Life Service will be live-streamed on YouTube and can be viewed at the link below:

David Dottin Celebration of Life Service

https://www.youtube.com/live/drFxBZTBoM8?si=1VT-_uIBZ2L0P1PD

The funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Lusk-McFarland Funeral Home Chapel, 1120 Main St., Paris, KY.

The online guestbook is at www.Lusk-McFarland.com and a 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 859-987-4387.