Leonard Michael "Mike" Dodd

Leonard Michael “Mike” Dodd, age 72, of Raleigh, passed away on November 15, 2023, in the comfort of his home with his family.

To his children, he was a loving father, encouraging coach, and a passionate teacher. He was present and warm, and we know that he wanted nothing more than for each of us to live full lives, believing that we are each uniquely capable to do good in the world.

To his wife, he was a devoted, fiercely loyal husband, a compassionate, caring, and steady source of support and strength, a best friend, and a partner in all things.

To the world, he was a fast and unfailing friend, a knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer, both a leader and a servant, and a kind and thoughtful man, showering those with whom he crossed paths with light and love.

Mike Dodd was born December 9th, 1950, in Raleigh, North Carolina to Margaret “Evelyn” Bland Dodd and Leonard Matthews “Smokie” Dodd. He grew up surrounded by family and friends, living in a house on Furches St. and attending Fred Olds Elementary, Martin Middle School, and Broughton High School. He was a natural athlete and developed his talents playing football, baseball and running track over the years. Mike went on to attend North Carolina State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Communication in 1972, followed by a Master of Public Administration in 1974.

Later in 1974, Mike moved to Winston-Salem to attend Wake Forest University School of Law, and that fall, met Mary Lou Cunningham who was attending Salem College. By 1977, he had worked to earn a Juris Doctorate degree, membership in the North Carolina State Bar, and becoming a proud husband to Mary Lou. In his words, “the Lord knew how much I needed an example to follow, and I was given the best wife a husband could ever find.”

Mike joined the US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1977 as part of the prosecutor and defense counsel in the US Federal courts and Military courts-martial. From 1978-79, he was chief counsel to General Maxie O. Redic Jr., Second Support Command in Nellingen, Germany, later serving as Chief of International Affairs for VII Corps from 1979-1980. He and Mary Lou lived in Stuttgart, Germany during that time, enjoying opportunities to travel, make friends, and giving Mike the chance to utilize his fluency in German language that he had continued to develop from his first studies in junior high and high school.

After returning home to Raleigh, Mike continued his professional law career working as a criminal defense attorney for the next 28 years. He initially went to practice with his close friend, Tom Dimmock at “Dimmock, Reagan, Dodd & Toms” from 1980-87. He continued his work as part of “Purser, Cheshire, Parker, Hughes & Dodd” from 1987-88. In 1988, Mike formed “Hall & Dodd, P.A” with Kyle Hall, which we all remember fondly as the sponsor for our Salvation Army T-ball teams. Mike rounded out his time as a criminal defense attorney right back where he had started, practicing law with Tom at “Dimmock & Dodd, Attorneys at Law” from 1998-2005. He then began work for the remaining 15 years of his career with the North Carolina Department of Justice in the Capital Litigation/Federal Habeas Section as Special Deputy Attorney General.

In December of 2020, both Mike and Mary Lou retired and could fill their time relaxing in each other’s company, rededicating themselves to hobbies, and actively serving in their community. For Mike, that meant picking up his Martin guitar as often as possible, using his self-taught trained ear to pick up new tunes, but always returning to old favorites from James Taylor, Jackson Brown, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. As often as possible, and when the weather was ideal for it, Mike enjoyed playing golf with friends. He and Mary Lou both found a second home in their church community at First Baptist Church and as longtime members of the Pathfinders Sunday school class. There he served as Chairman of Deacons, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and as a Sunday school teacher.

Mike was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh, serving from 2000-2003 on the Board of Directors and attending weekly Friday meetings. He loved any opportunity to interact with the children and families in our community, especially looking forward to the Kiwanis Club of Raleigh Pancake Breakfast fundraiser each year.

Throughout his life, Mike shared so much with each life he touched. He leaves as his legacy and most important life achievement, his family, whom he loved wholeheartedly: His wife of 45 years, Mary Lou; his son, Michael and daughter-in-law Kathryn Dodd and their four deeply cherished children, James (6), Nate (5), Lola (3), and Lizzie (18 mos) of Greenville, SC; his daughter Anna Dodd and soon to be son-in-law Alex Ratterree of Raleigh; and his daughter, Margaret Dodd of Raleigh.

We will be gathering to celebrate the life of Mike on Tuesday, November 21st at 3:00 PM. The service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Raleigh, 99 N. Salisbury Street, 27603. The family will receive friends following the service, in the church fellowship hall.

In honor of Mike’s memory, contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Raleigh “Day Missions Fund”.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh.