William Raymond Dorsey

William Raymond Dorsey, 85, of Kingsport, died Sunday, July 4, 2010, at Holston Valley Medical Center after a recent period of rapidly declining health. Raymond was born in Ico, Grant County, Arkansas, on March 1, 1925, to Joseph Christopher Dorsey and Mattie Elizabeth Dorsey. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age, and while growing up attended Bethel United Methodist Church in Grant County, Arkansas. Throughout his entire life, he served others in many ways. In Kingsport, he was a member of First Baptist Church.
During World War II, Raymond served his country while in the Navy. He then worked as a machine repairman for Ford Motor Company in Ypsilanti, Michigan for 30 years until his retirement.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Winford, Dennie, J.C. and Boyd and sisters, Hazel and Lois.
Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Helen Thibault Dorsey of Kingsport; son, Bill Dorsey and wife, Sheila of Mississippi; daughters, Barbara Jean Jones of Louisiana and Kimi Jo Meador of Michigan; sisters, Lethal Hobby, Dorothy Elmore and Marie Watson all of Arkansas; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and one step-daughter, Lenita H. Thibault, M.D. of Kingsport.
Raymond's burial and a memorial celebration of his long, full and productive life will take place at 2:00 P.M. Thursday at Bethel United Methodist Church with burial in Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.