Gary Wayne Dodson, 72, of Sparta, passed away peacefully, on Aug. 12, 2021, at Vanderbilt Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Dodson was born Feb. 17, 1949, in Sparta, to Carroll and Hellonise Dodson.
He was a graduate of White County High School, in 1967, and received his B.S. from the University of Tennessee, in 1971, followed by his law degree from the University of Memphis, in 1973.
Mr. Dodson was an active member of West Sparta church of Christ where he served as a deacon for a number of years before health reasons forced him to resign. He also taught a Sunday School class for many years.
Mr. Dodson’s professional accomplishments were profound, and he was a pillar of the White County legal community where he practiced law for over 46 years. He served as the General Sessions Judge for 10 years for White and Van Buren counties, the White County delinquent tax attorney for 40 years, and 16 years as the White County attorney. At his time of death, he was serving as the City Judge of Sparta. He was an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association.
Mr. Dodson was a loving husband, proud father, and adored by his grandchildren to whom he was Papa G. He was known for compassion, honor, and his love of all things sports. He was a life-long Sparta Warrior, Tennessee Volunteer, and St. Louis Cardinal fan. He especially loved to play tennis and was often planning his next big trip.
He was loved by all who knew him. He always said his proudest accomplishment was raising his two girls.
Mr. Dodson was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy Dodson, of Sylacauga, Alabama; his daughters, Rachel (Charlie) Hunter; of Chattanooga, Melissa (Steve) Conly, of San Jose, California; his sister, Carolynn Krauss; brothers, Bill Dodson, Dan Dodson, Charles Dodson; five grandchildren, Chase, Grey, and Collins Hunter, Colette and Henry Conly; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was 4 p.m., Aug. 16, 2021, at West Sparta church of Christ.
Memorial donations may be made to Stepping Stones, at West Sparta church of Christ; White County Library; or White County Humane Society.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
