Thomas Edward Dotson

On Thursday, January 17, 2019, Thomas Edward Dotson, loving husband, father of five, grandfather, brother, and friend to all left this earth at age 80.

Tom was born on July 27, 1938, in Rose Hill, Virginia to Woodrow and Evelyn (Giles) Dotson. He graduated in 1956 from Sullivan High School in Kingsport, Tennessee. Upon graduation, Tom entered the U.S. Navy and proudly served this great country for 22 years. He retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. On May 13, 1961, he married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life Pearl (Vicars) Dotson. They enjoyed 57 glorious years together raising their family and traveling the world. After Tom retired from the Navy, he began a second career at TN Eastman, spending 14 years in the maintenance department.

Tom loved life and enjoyed cruising the lake in his boat, and of course, fishing. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family and friends. During the fall of every year, you would find Tom in Knoxville cheering loudly or glued to his television set rooting for his beloved Volunteer football team. Tom was a friend to all and he loved keeping up with and visiting with his high school classmates. Tom was a true gentleman who loved his family above everything.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow; his mother Evelyn; and his brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl; his five children, Jack McDuffie and wife Sheryl, Dr. Thomas Dotson, Rhonda (Dotson) Helton and husband Steve, Michele (Dotson) Blevins and husband Randy, Christine (Dotson) Boyle and husband Brian, his brothers, Bill and wife Martha (Kingsport) and John (St. Louis, Missouri); sisters, Janrose (Hall) and husband Harry, and Wanda (Adams) of Kingsport.

Tom, aka "Poppy," left behind grandchildren, Justin McDuffie, Jonathan McDuffie and wife Kirsten, Lauren Blevins, Crystal McDuffie, Gavin Blevins, Connell Boyle, and Quinn Boyle. He left behind great grandchildren, Aileanna McDuffie, Emerson Blevins, and Vince Lawrence; grand-nieces and grand-nephew, Desira, Katy, and Conley Freeman; several other nieces and nephews; as well as his cat, Bubba.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Kingsport, TN at 12:00pm with Dr. Clay Austin officiating. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00am-12:00pm prior to the service.

Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park with Military Honors conducted by The American Legion Posts 3/265.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UVA Health Foundation, P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908 or www.uvahealthfoundation.org

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