Palmer Otis Dotson

Palmer Otis Dotson, age 81, passed away on January 27, 2025. He was a loving husband, father, Grandad and friend. Known for his kindness, humor, and wit, he touched the lives of many in his 81 years. 

He was born on June 19, 1943 in Clintwood, VA to the late Otis and Beulah Dotson. He grew up in Dickenson County and graduated from Clintwood High School in 1961. He went on to attend Clinch Valley College (UVA Wise) and received a management degree from Tusculum University. He worked for the Dickenson County Public Library as a Bookmobile driver, a job he enjoyed and had many stories about. He then went to work for Clinchfield Coal Company and American Electric Power for many years, both as a Learning Administrator where he was heavily involved with Russell County Schools, and as a chemist doing coal analysis in the lab. He was a longtime resident of Abingdon, VA where he was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church. 

He served on several committees and volunteered in many capacities. Palmer was always active and an avid outdoors lover. He spent a great deal of time biking the Virginia Creeper Trail as well as playing tennis and pickle ball. He was also an avid photographer, who developed his own film and printed photographs in his home darkroom.  Above all he delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all activities they were involved in. There were few, if any, recitals, ballgames, scout meetings, graduations, or honors ceremonies, that were missed. He was their biggest fan and gave unending love and support to each of them.  His family was his passion. Palmer never met a stranger and had a monumental love for his family and friends.  

Those left to cherish Palmer’s memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Patty Dotson and his two children: daughter, Sherry Dotson Witt and her husband Billy; and son Steven Dotson and his wife Whitley. His grandchildren are Zachary Witt (Caitlin), Caroline Witt Hawes (Lucas), Peyton Dotson Hungate (Cade), Holt Dotson, Brody Dotson, and Beckett Dotson. His great-grandchildren are Harper Lynne Witt, Charlotte Palmer Hawes, and Riggs Kennedy Hungate. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Abingdon United Methodist Church. Services to honor Palmer’s life will be held on February 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, with Rev. Paul Seay officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Abingdon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Palmer will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

The family of Palmer Dotson is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.