Individual Details

Death

Douglas David Dodson of Culpeper, Va. went home to meet his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on December 16, 2005, after a long illness sustained from agent orange while serving in the Vietnam war. Doug was the son of the late Thurlow Dodson and Nannie Furr Dodson. Doug leaves behind a loving and devoted wife of 37 years, Clara Wolfrey Dodson, one daughter, Michelle "Missy" Dodson-Backe, one granddaughter, Merissa Fawn Bothwell, who was the joy and apple of his eye. He was preceded in death by a very special grandson, David Arnett Bothwell, of whom he carried and cherished his memories in his heart. Doug is also survived by several relatives of which consist of his brother, Robert Dodson of Culpeper, Roger Dodson, Sr. and his wife, Barbara, of Orange, Va., and his sister Shirley Smoot, and her husband, Wayne, of Stafford, Va. He is also survived by two nieces, Wanda Dodson Stover and her husband, Mike, and Heather Snow, all of Culpeper, and three nephews, Roger Dodson, Jr. and his wife, Carol of Harrisonburg, Steven Dodson of Orange and Darren Snow of Culpeper. Additional survivors include two great-nephews, Brandon Dodson and Devin Dodson, both of Harrisonburg. Douglas had several friends whom he cherished. He left behind his ex-son-in-law, Cary Bothwell, in whom he confided and with whom he shared many good days. He considered Cary his son. He is also survived by his adopted daughter, Yolanda M. Deane of Culpeper, and her six children, to whom he was known as "Pap Paw." He loved Yolanda dearly and cherished her beautiful voice as she sang Christian praise songs. Doug's best pal, his dog Spunkie Brewster, was always at his side and also survives him. Douglas was a humble man and was always there to help whoever was in need; he never turned anyone away. With the help of his daughter, Michelle, he gave up a life of alcoholism, racism, and struggles and memories of the Vietnam War, and became a born-again Christian in 1991. He began his walk with the Lord and became known to many as "Brother Doug." Doug was drafted in 1968 at the age of 22 to serve in Vietnam. He served in the 25th Infantry Division. While in Vietnam, Douglas suffered many life-threatening wounds and was not expected to live due to the severe injuries. While attempting to rescue a fellow soldier in his platoon, Doug was shot and lay on the battlefield for several hours. He was eventually rescued and flown to a hospital in Japan where he stayed for 12 months. The doctors stated that it was a miracle that he survived such critical injuries. He was the only man in his platoon not to be killed in action and to return home to Culpeper and his wife. He came back with his medals of bravery, but Vietnam had taken a lot out of young Douglas, and years of suffering from nightmares of Vietnam lead him to drink alcohol to drown his misery. The alcohol lead Doug to live an abusive, violent life, but in 1991, with the help of his daughter, Michelle, he went to church and came back a new man. The Lord touched Douglas and he gave up drinking, smoking and an abusive lifestyle all in one day. He lived the rest of his life peaceful and quiet, just a humble man loving his wife, daughter, grandchild and everyone that came in his path. The memories of Vietnam did not haunt him any longer. The family received friends on Monday, December 19, 2005 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA. A funeral service was held Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 11 a.m. in the Found and Sons chapel, with Pastor Steve Dodson officiating. Interment followed at Culpeper National Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 330 and VFW Post 2524. Pallbearers were Roger Dodson, Jr., Steven Dodson, Jerry Jeffries, Cary Bothwell, Mark Deane and Mike Stover. Doug always wanted a Harley-Davidson, but his wife would not allow it. He would always give a thumbs up signal to the men and women who ride in the Rolling Thunder group. The next time you see a Harley going down the road, listen to the sound of it. It will give you a chill. Think about what men like Douglas Dodson did for this country while serving in Vietnam. In memory of Douglas David Dodson, contributions can be made to your local chapter of Rolling Thunder. Found and Sons Funeral chapel of Culpeper was in charge of arrangement.
Published in Culpeper News from Dec. 29, 2005 to Jan. 4, 2006