JESSE JEFFERSON DODSON

Jan. 12, 1918-Nov. 18, 2009

Jesse Jefferson Dodson, widower of Dora Jane New Dodson, departed this life at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset on November 18, 2009. His wife of almost 71 years preceded him in death, July 17, 2009. He was a fifth generation Wayne County farmer and continued to be active in overseeing his farm on Kelly Lane in the Steubenville community of Wayne County until November 1.

He was born in the Gold Ridge Community of Cullman County, Ala. on January 12, 1918. He was the only child of Samuel Bolen Dodson (1880-1922) and Rilda Frances Lovell Dodson (1876-1970). He spent most of his first 10 years of life in Alabama and moved permanently to Kentucky in 1928 to live on the James Thomas Lovell farm in the Delta Community. He attended schools in both Alabama and Kentucky where he was an excellent student. He continued to be an avid reader and life long learner.

He married Dora Jane New on July 31, 1938 in Livingston, Tenn. and to this union, five children were born: Wanda Lee Dodson, Barbara Faye (Bob) Shedd, Rosemary Louise Phillips, Norma Ann (Bob) Turner and Charles Howard (Linda) Dodson. He has four living grandchildren: Lynette Dodson Gregory and her companion Jamie Yowell, Bobbie Michelle Turner, Christopher Jimmy (Denise) Phillips, and Delmer Ray (Lori) Turner. One grandson, Jesse Hugh Shedd, died in infancy. He has five great-grandsons: Jared and Jesse Gregory and McKinley, Isaac, and Riley Phillips.

Mr. Dodson was active in the Steubenville Baptist Church for approximately 50 years. He served as deacon, treasurer, and fulfilled many other laymen duties. He and his wife Dora served God daily and worked to maintain and improve the community, a legacy they have passed on to their children. He took his civic duty seriously and voted at every election. He served several decades as an election official in the Steubenville Precinct.

He loved to travel and probably was most proud of driving the Alcan Highway to and from Alaska in 1992. With his wife and sometimes other family members, he traveled in 49 states and nine Canadian Provinces. He documented his trips with hundreds of slides.

His favorite recreational activity was auto racing. He attended the local races at the Monticello track and attended his first NASCAR race in Daytona Beach in 1964. In later years he followed the races on T.V. and rooted for his favorite driver, Mark Martin.

Mr. Dodson assumed the responsibility of his agricultural heritage and with his wife and children improved the land of his ancestors. In addition to farming, he made time for agricultural related activities. He measured tobacco, wheat and other crops, helped organize feeder calf sales in Monticello, and was an authorized dealer for Warner Fertilizer.

Funeral service were held Sunday, November 22, 2009 in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Wendell Morrow and Bro. Eugene Dick officiating. Music was provided by Robert Thompson.

Pall Bearers were Chris Phillips, Ray Turner, Jamie Yowell, Jared Gregory, Jesse Gregory, and Edmond Morrow. Honorary Pall Bearers were McKinley and Isaac Phillips. Burial followed in the Elk Spring Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Wayne County Rescue Squad or the Hope Center.

Hickey and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.