Richard Harold Dotson, 86 - Parkersburg

(06/19/2015)
Richard Harold Dotson, 86, of Parkersburg WV passed away into eternity on June 19, 2015.

He was born in McCamey Texas, to Friend Harold and Mamie Belle (Dulin) Dotson on February 13, 1929 and lived a life of servant hood in Elizabeth, WV and later in Parkersburg.

Richard graduated from Wirt County High School in 1947 as a three-sport athlete and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 67 years, Pauline Virginia (Wiseman) Dotson.

He served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955 aboard the US Aircraft Carrier Valley Forge. He was originally employed by J. C Penney as an assistant manager and later worked as a lab technician at Marbon Chemical/Borg Warner Chemical/ GE Plastic. He retired from GE Plastic in 1993 after 34 years of service.

He was a member of Wirt Lodge #82 AF & AM. After retirement, Richard was constantly active as a volunteer and trainer with the American Red Cross helping with 52 disaster experiences including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and being a first line responder at the World Trade Center during the 9/11 disaster.

Richard's main love was to serve among his church family. He was a longtime member of Elizabeth Baptist Church and served as a deacon, trustee, Sunday School superintendent, and devoted Sunday School teacher until shortly before his passing. One of his favorite activities at EBC was serving pizza to the Wirt County High School students on G.A.P. (God Answers Prayers) Thursdays. His hobbies and main social pastimes included sprint car racing, racing competitive go-karts, and watching his beloved West Virginia Mountaineers.

He is survived by his spouse Pauline; his son, Michael and wife Betty (Ellifritt) Dotson also of Parkersburg WV; and His brother Franklin and wife Yuvhon Dotson of Belpre Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Dorothy Lee.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2015 at Matheny Whited Funeral Home of Elizabeth WV with the Rev. Leary Vanhorn officiating. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2015 at the funeral home.

Interment will be at Bethesda Cemetery (Thorn Addition) in Palestine WV, Military Honors by American Legion Post 15 of Parkersburg WV, and Masonic Lodge #82 of Elizabeth WV.

The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Randall Heavner, the staffs at Camden Clark Memorial hospital and Worthington Skilled Nursing Facility and especially to Jeanette Joy for her exceedingly tender care in Richards final days. Memorial donations can be made to the Elizabeth Baptist Church.