William "Bill" Dodson

William Lauderdale Dodson, 89, of Austin passed into God's glorious Kingdom on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Born on July 1, 1927 in Lampasas, Texas, Bill grew up in the small community of Naruna before moving to Burnet. He graduated from Burnet High School and enlisted in the Navy, graduating from boot camp on VJ Day, 1945.

After earning a BBA degree on the GI Bill from the University of Texas at Austin, he first worked at Ford Motor Company and LCRA. Ultimately, though, it was his work as a professional engineer at the Texas Highway Department that would define his career. Bill followed his father's footsteps in becoming a Freemason. In 1964, Bill married Marjorie Lois Johnson, adopting her son Bill soon thereafter. Bill and Marjorie had sons James and Tom and raised their family in south Austin. He retired from the TxDOT in 1992, and became an active volunteer at his long-time church, Faith Presbyterian, as well as the Capital Area Food Bank and St. David's Hospital.

Bill is preceded in death by his sister Margaret Glass of Austin, brother James Ross of Burnet, wife Marjorie, and son Bill. He is survived by son James of Dripping Springs and Tom of Houston, along with seven grandchildren and countless relatives and friends who will dearly miss his humble, kindhearted, giving, and strong spirit.

A graveside service will take place at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at the Burnet Cemetery in Burnet, Texas. A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Austin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 11, 2016. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, Arthritis Foundation, Faith Presbyterian Church, or your favorite charity.