Obituary of Vincent T. Dodson

Orange County Chapel Hill - Vincent T. Dodson died on January 10, 2012 at his home after several years of illness. Born in Orange County to Teresa Balak and Brodie Duke Dodson on August 5, 1923. He moved to Durham County and attended the Catholic School through the eighth grade, graduating at Durham High with the class of "41. He attended Newport News Ship Building and Dry Dock Apprentice School. From there he was drafted into the Army and served in the 320th Regiment, 35th Division in Europe, receiving three battle stars. After the war he returned to Orange County where his family lived and raised beef cattle for many years. He also worked at Liggett and Myers as a machinist for 38 years and retired as Assistant Manager of the Machine Shop. He was predeceased in death by his parents, two sisters, Dolores J. Dodson and Genevieve (Jenkie) W. Dodson, and an Aunt, Elizabeth (Bessie) Cesil. He is survived by his wife, Pansy Ferrell Latta Dodson, one daughter, Myrtle Frances L. Slocum (husband Ken). Three grandchildren, Alison Slocum of New York, Christopher Slocum of Durham, and Daniel Slocum of Chapel Hill, two beloved sisters-in-law, Madeline F. Sparrow of Chapel Hill and Violet Chappell of Wake Forest, many nieces, nephews and cousins from Virginia. For many years he served as an usher at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church and later at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillsborough. He later became a member of New Hope Presbyterian Church. For 15 years, he carried the southern route of Meals-on-Wheels for O.C.I.M. He was also an active member of American Legion Post No. 6 for many years. His service will be at New Hope Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. Rev. Ray Mims will officiate at the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Service will be at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 13 at 11:00 A.M. Reception at the church following services. Visitation will be 4-6 PM Thursday, January 12, Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough. Active pallbearers will be: James Popek, Patrick Popek, Mike Guill, John Ferrell, Rick Ferrell, Dwayne Ferrell, Jim Massey, Tim Massey and Rudy Des Champs. Honorary pallbearers will be: Alan Johnson, Alfred Kirkland, Mitch Lloyd, Eugene Montgomery, Bob Nutter, John Stewart, Bob Strayhorn, Robert Sprouse. The family wishes to express their thanks especially to Ms. Tanya Whitted, who was his live-in CNA for 6 years, and also Chris (the nurse) Fedora from Amedisys, as well as Dr. Jonathan Klein and his nurse Amber from Orange Family Medical Ctr. Instead of flowers, the family request any contributions be made to the Youth Scholarship Fund at New Hope Presby. Church, 4701 Hwy. 86, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or to Orange Congregations in Mission Food Pantry, 300 Millstone Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278.