Mr. Thomas Lowell Dodd

1946 - 2016

Mr. Thomas Lowell Dodd obituary, 1946-2016, Charlotte, NC

Mr. Thomas Lowell Dodd

1946 - 2016

BORN

1946

DIED

2016

Thomas Dodd Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 4, 2016.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas Dodd's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 12, 2017

Barbara Osgood-Cox posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2016

Ed Bernius posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2016

Lyn Holt posted to the memorial.

Barbara Osgood-Cox

August 12, 2017

I hope someone in Thom's family sees this as I just found his obituary and did not know he had passed. I was a classmate of Thom and Beth's at DuPont High School in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Dallas our senior year. At DuPont he was in a folk singing group cleverly called Thom, Dick, Larry and Al for the four guys in the group. We have had several class reunions in the past few years and, while our close friends have re-connected, unfortunately no one knew how to contact Thom. Based on what I have read we all still have a lot in common. I thought of him again today when Dick sent some old pictures of the band and Thom was in several of the pictures. I Googled him and learned the sad news. I will ask Dick to post the pictures as I think you would love them. Thom was funny, goofy and talented and it shows in the pictures. Here is the irony- My husband and I have lived in the Charlotte area for the past 17 years. Our son went to Camp Cheerio starting at age seven and was a counselor there for two years while he was in college. We have lived in the same town all these years and probably passed each other without ever knowing. Clara, I would love to meet you and chat a bit if you are willing. In high school they called me Shoppie, but I now go by my real name Barbara. My phone number is 704-604-1710.

Ed Bernius

December 15, 2016

So sorry to learn about Thom. I knew the Dodd Family before they moved from Dallas in the early 70's. Thom taught me to play chess, and we played it hours at a time while we smoked pipes filled with Captain Black pipe tobacco. Thom was always vivacious in all his endeavors...I don't think I ever beat him at chess. I'll always remember him

Steve Brewer

December 9, 2016

What an awesome tribute to an incredible man.
Steve Brewer

Bob Wilson

December 8, 2016

The world is a little darker without Thom Dodd.

Beverly Patnaik

December 8, 2016

Thom was truly and Renaissance man and a friend beyond measure. My condolences to his family. Beverly Patnaik

Warren Morrison

December 8, 2016

I am honored to have played in the pipe band with Thom, and fond memories of Minta participating as my student in high school social studies.

Karen Hefner

December 7, 2016

Sorry for your loss. I worked with Thom for many years. He was a bright spot in my day. Rest in Peace my friend.

Patrick Walters

December 7, 2016

While I haven't see Thom much the last few years, I have such great memories of the years we worked together at Social Services. He was such a gentle, funny,talented and witty person. He was a ray of sunshine, a shining star, one heck of a hard worker and SMART. The world is a little sadder with his absence.

Jack Ince

December 7, 2016

We will miss you Thom. My life is richer for knowing you. My deepest sympathy to your family.

Alan Geltman

December 7, 2016

After working with Thom for nearly 30 years, there are just too many stories to relate. Similarly, Thom had too many friends and helped too many to even count. I was at the party at Mike H's house where Thom & Clara met. I forgot about Clara's bandages! Whether he was performing on the theatre stage, or on a office chair at the DSS with his guitar and stories, he engaged everyone and brought them into his wonderful world ... a world made even better by Thom Dodd. Miss you, buddy.

Joslyn Schaefer

December 7, 2016

Wish I had known him -- but his wife and daughters are such a testament to his spirit. Beautiful remembrance.

Margaret Saltrick

December 7, 2016

MJ,
What a lovely tribute! You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret & Dan

Lyn Holt

December 10, 2016

Such a beautiful, loving and well crafted tribute of an amazing man's joyful and colorful life. it has been a joy to know Thom and to enjoy time with him and the fruits of his and Clara's labors and love - knowing Sarah, Minta Jane and BB! He will definitely be missed by so many, but he will never be forgotten. Love to you all and prayers that his way into the glory of heaven are made as lovely and wonderful as he is and that his countenance will always be shining down on us along with the sun.

Susan Beam-Gilleland

December 9, 2016

Prayers for the family.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Dodd's name

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Dodd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Thomas Dodd's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 12, 2017

Barbara Osgood-Cox posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2016

Ed Bernius posted to the memorial.

December 10, 2016

Lyn Holt posted to the memorial.