Born October 18, 1924, in Charlotte County, he was a son of the late Claude Swanson Dodd and Fannie Conner Dodd. He was also preceded in death by grandson, Adam Dodd, five brothers, Walker, Luther, Hubbard, Hampton, and Leighton; and four sisters, Annie Morris, Mattie Dodd, Sadie Nelson, and Irene Clark. Parker was the retired owner and operator of Dodd Brothers Farm Supply in Madison Heights. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Monroe.
Parker is survived by three daughters, Benita Unrue (Ronnie) of Monroe, Wanda Holt (Lloyd) of Phenix, and Cindy Mae Dodd of Richmond; a son, James “Bo” Dodd (Donna) of Monroe; two sisters, Jean Bigger of Keysville, and Hilda Smith of Lynchburg.
He is also survived by; seven grandchildren; Janell Stinnett (H.B.), Bobby Unrue, Joshua Holt, Megan Stanfield (Erik), Jenna Amos (Alex), Kelly Wall (David), and Jennifer Woodard (Mark), and twelve great-grandchildren; Parker Stinnett (Eion Conrick), Hunter Stinnett, James, Charlie, and Anna Stanfield, Briggs and Baylor Amos, Bryce, Turner, and Sadie Wall, and Tate and Heath Woodard.
Parker was raised on a dairy and tobacco farm in Charlotte County. During those years, he milked cows twice a day by hand. This process taught him tough lessons that led to his decision to be a merchant. Parker always said, “I want to be my own boss.” Of his many stories, Parker said, “Mamie and I discussed what we wanted. She wanted a house that she could make a home filled with children and I wanted to be my own boss and own a store so that I could be a merchant.” With those goals in mind, they saved and ventured to Amherst County to live out their dreams. They quickly chose a church to raise their family and were lifelong members of First Baptist Church of Monroe. Parker sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and attended Sunday School for many years. He managed to stay in the “young folks” class and never moved up because he never aged. His oldest grandchild always looked for him between Sunday School and worship service because he kept mints and Dentyne chewing gum in his pockets.
Parker and Mamie owned and/or built several homes in Amherst County. He was most proud and talked often of the “rock house” he built on Eastview Drive. Though, the home he and Mamie lived in for fifty-three years, and where Parker spent the last three without leaving other than to go to a doctor’s appointment, was Peacedale Farm. When they purchased this farm in 1968, Parker added an addition onto the house to
accommodate his large family and Mamie’s father who lived with them. Peacedale Farm grew lavish vegetable gardens and raised hogs and beef cattle. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, “the farm” has been a favorite gathering place and anchor for the soul.
The Dodd Bros. Farm Supply opened in the 1950s serving the community of Amherst County and Lynchburg City by three brothers: Parker, Luther, and Hubbard. Many miles were walked on those hardwood floors each day as Parker greeted customers to sell any and everything from seeds, paint, baby chicks, and feed for a variety of animals. Not a stranger did he meet and lifelong friendships were made throughout the years. Each Christmas, customers received a gift which might be a bowl, platter, salt and pepper shakers, gravy boat, or ashtray, depending on the year, with the stamped greeting: “Merry Christmas Dodd Bros. Farm Supply.” If you happen to own one of these antiques, you have a rare item that many in the Dodd family consider priceless.
In 1983, Parker retired from his occupation as a merchant and began his real passion of farming, refinishing antiques, and woodworking. Every day he could be found either fencing, managing cattle, and worrying about the hay. Hay season was a big deal, it required much attention and a lot of hands. For many years, Parker worked with friends and family to assure the equipment was ready. The area neighbors were always willing to lend a hand to “get up” the hay. Nothing spoke of summer or hay season like seeing Parker on his John Deere tractor with either a rake or bailer towed behind in a big field of hay. Truth be told, Parker was never happier.
Another very important pastime for Parker was the refinishing of an old piece of furniture or in later years building corner cupboards, small tables, boxes, or trays. He preferred handcrafting with old lumber, especially walnut, cherry, or “ole” pine. Each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild was given a handcrafted corner cupboard built especially for them by Parker. He was most at home in his barn where there was an endless supply of chocolate candies, peanut butter crackers, and sodas. Many a tall tale, old story, or directions for how to refinish an antique piece would be told with great fanfare as you sat amongst the sawdust next to the wood stove. Those priceless memories will forever be cherished and held close to our hearts.
Family reunions were another highlight of Parker’s life. Whenever the Dodds or Masons were together, Parker and Mamie were filled with smiles. The two families melted into one and both Parker and Mamie loved each other’s siblings as their own. Parker was
forever requesting his family to have a stew or family gathering at his cabin. He wanted homemade ice cream in the summer and stew in the fall. During these gatherings, he always had some trinkets to give away. At first, he only had a few items and if your number was drawn, you would be taking home some item that had been refinished or built in the barn. In later years, he may have up to 30-40 items to give away; you may even be made to sit for hours listening to a story or two about how those items were acquired. One thing is for certain, Parker loved making and giving away these treasures to family, friends, and acquaintances. He was always a cheerful giver; lessons learned from church.
The family thanks Becky Bryant, Jackie Haynes, Robyn Haskins, and Taylor Guill for their constant and loving care over the last two years and in his final months, the Centra Hospice nurses. Thank you to Monelison Family Physicians for the many years of medical care. Parker’s wish was to never be placed in a nursing home and the family was able to fulfill this wish with the assistance of these wonderful people.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Whitten Monelison Chapel and other times at the residence.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Briarwood Memorial Gardens in Amherst County with Pastor Reverend Bob Parks officiating.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider a charity of your choice.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenmonelison.com.
Whitten Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Monelison Chapel is serving Mr. Dodd’s family.
