James Laverne Dority

Jim, as he was affectionally called, was born and raised in Hartsville, South Carolina on September 9, 1943 along with his three sisters. He attended Lakeview Baptist Church and was actively involved in RAs. His grandmother Verna Ellis Reid kept him and other siblings a lot while his mother worked. He graduated from Hartsville High School and enlisted in the Navy. Jim served on two different ships: first ship was the USS Investigator (AGR-9) and then later the USS Luce (DLG-7) Guided Missile Brigade. He served 4 years as ETR3 “Electronics Technician (Radar) Third Class. He was responsible for maintaining, repairing, calibrating, and troubleshooting electronic equipment used for radar systems, communications, and other related technologies. He was stationed in San Francisco, CA, Philadelphia, PA, and later Mayport, Florida. He traveled overseas to several ports along Southern Europe and the Mediterranean with the US Sixth Fleet. In the midst of his service, he attended and graduated from Clemson University.

Jim later married the former Patricia Edwards and both lived in Southport and Fuquay-Varina North Carolina for a while. They remained in the Raleigh area until his death. He was employed with CP&L (Carolina Power and Light) at Shearon Harris Plant which is now called Duke Energy. He later retired.

Jim loved to fish and play golf with his golfing buddies. He especially loved the mountains to which he once had a mountain cabin. Jim loved researching his family genealogy. He was a loving father and devoted husband. Jim made sure that his children had a proper education and knew the Lord. He enjoyed watching the Gaithers Gospel on TV. Jim was an avid and loyal Master Mason and Past Master of the Apex Masonic Lodge #584. He held a membership in both the York Rite and Scottish Rite. He took part in supporting the Oxford Children’s Orphanage, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, and other things within the community.

Jim was preceded in death by his father William Bizanne Dority, mother Virginia Reid Dority, and sister Sonja Dority Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Edwards Dority of the home, son James Mitchell Dority, daughter Phyllis Charlene Dority, granddaughter Harley Nicole Dority, and two sisters Marie Dority Rogers and Robin Dority Watson.