Mr. Thomas Lowell Dodd

Thomas Lowell Dodd, world-renowned wall-ball champion, Elvis impersonator, and original inspiration for "#1 Dad" and "Best Husband In The World" mugs, died December 4, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Clara Minta Saunders Dodd; daughters, Minta Jane McCollum Dodd Ferguson (David Ferguson) and Sarah Amelia Dodd; granddaughters, Rebecca Jane and Vada Jordan Ferguson; sister, Belma Elizabeth Dodd; nephew, Austin Douglas Dodd Andreas; and nieces, Jessica Noel (Mark Gise) and Kaylyn Noel Gise. Much like Halley's Comet, Thom came into the world a blaze of light and energy, spent seven decades traveling an outstanding and awe-inspiring orbit, and then, peacefully and with much grace, flew into the darkness to illuminate another sky until our paths cross with him once more. Thomas was born November 26, 1946 in Waco, Texas to Denny Winston and Janie Belle (nee Gibson) Dodd. He grew up–along with his siblings Anita, Denny Jr., and twin sister Elizabeth–subject to the breezes that blew his family across the continental United States. His father, a dedicated H.J. Heinz company sales manager, worked in many cities. That meant Thom grew up throughout America in Waco, TX, Webster Groves, MO, Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA, West Caldwell, NJ, Jacksonville, FL, and Dallas, TX. Throughout his youth and teenage years he was constantly comforted by the hearth and home cultivated by his mother, energized by his witty and loving father, and sent into fits of laughter and waves of trouble by his siblings. He participated in school theatre productions, Boy Scouts, and Jr. Civil Air Patrol. Settling with his family in Dallas, Texas, Thom graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Psychology, he continued his education at SMU Perkins School of Theology. He followed his parents to Charlotte, North Carolina in the early 70's. He met his wife, Clara in 1980 at a block party in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Even though her face was covered in bandages from a recent car accident, Thomas and Clara hit it off. Within two years they were married. Thom worked for the Department of Social Services of Mecklenburg County for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He was both a social worker serving the needs of the elderly Charlotte community, as well as a computer IT programmer. He was awarded the distinction of Mecklenburg County Employee of the Year during his time with DSS. His first daughter, Minta Jane "Minnow," was born in 1984. MJ and Thom were best friends. They spent many hours together camping and hiking in the YMCA Indian Guides, as well as playing with the family dogs. Minta Jane was given–through nature and nurture–his incredible patience, discerning intellect, lack of navigation and sense of direction, and beautiful blue eyes. Halloween day, 1991, Thom's second daughter, Sarah "Boo," was born. They spent most of their time battling to see who could get the family to laugh the hardest. Sarah received his penchant for watching and playing sports, his explorer's soul, beautiful voice, and Renaissance Man abilities. The family was complete in their house on E. 5th Street in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte, along with many adored dogs, fish, and hamsters along the way. Thom insured the family had the best decorated house every Halloween. His yearly costume of the Star Wars Emperor was a mainstay of the neighborhood trick-or-treating experience. Every passerby knew him as "Thom Dodd," the silver-haired cool-dad who waved a friendly "Howdy" while smoking a tobacco pipe leisurely on the front porch. Thom cherished his relationships with close friends, family, and neighbors. He was known for his incredible story-telling and musical abilities. Growing up near the Mississippi, Thom had an undying love and appreciation for riverboats, steamboats, and all things Mark Twain. He played tennis, croquet, disc golf, and every yard, porch, and tailgate game in the book. He performed with the Little Theater of Charlotte for years. He was a member of People First Players, an improvisational troupe composed of adults with behavioral health challenges, such as Bipolar Disorder. He was a member of the Loch Norman Pipe Band, performing in the Grade 3 band playing both snare and flourishing tenor drums. He had an array of hobbies, his favorite being photography. He was affectionally known as the Paparazzo by Sarah's school and choir friends, standing with his camera at the ready at stage doors after every performance. He was unfailing in his devotion to his wife. He exhibited complete support of his daughters in their passions and chosen fields of study, Architecture and Fine Art. He was more than happy to welcome his son-in-law, David, to the family as a prospective new fishing buddy. He enjoyed nothing as much as an evening spent with the family, laughing and playing a few rounds of UNO. His life was made complete by the birth of his first granddaughter, Becca "BB." In his years post-retirement, he spent his days caring for her. He admitted being "Pops" was his absolute favorite job. Had he been blessed with more time on this earth, he would have probably amended that statement, only to say that taking care of both granddaughters was better. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A coworker summed it up perfectly by saying, "He was a bright star in everyone's day. Always so positive and kind and fun. He was one of kind and will be missed. He was a gentle spirit and a lovely man." Please see service information through the "Services" tab above. In addition to flowers, donations can be made to YMCA Camp Cheerio in memory of Thomas L. Dodd.