Dozier Carter

The kind, loving, gentle giant Dozier Carter was born in Buena Vista, Georgia, January 15, 1942, to the late Rufus Herman and Ossie Bea (Dozier) Carter. His parents were born into enslavement and later share-cropped near Macon, Georgia. A dispute between Dozier’s father and the landowner was the catalyst for the young family’s migration north to Portsmouth, Ohio.

Dozier spent his youth in a home made of love surrounded by his five sisters. Being the only boy his close bond with his mother was naturally evident. His ability to reproduce her homegrown homemade delights tantalized the tongues of all those that enjoyed his cooking. He perfected both her sweet potato and pecan pies, mac and cheese, meatloaf, and a host of other culinary delights. He equally emulated his father’s mechanical and carpentry skills by building his first home in Portsmouth primarily as a solo effort. His passion for building positioned him to later become a certified building trades instructor for the National Centers for Construction Education and Research.

Dozier loved his hometown of Portsmouth. He often recounted stories of folly and athleticism with his Parker cousins and emphasized the deep love of Christ instilled in him by both home and community. Dozier and his sisters mesmerized every listening ear with their a capella harmonies as they sang about the goodness of God while touring in neighboring states. Portsmouth is also where he developed a love of education and playing all sports, except swimming. His athletic acumen afforded him a college basketball scholarship, to attend Cedarville College. Upon graduation he landed a position on the National Football League's Cleveland Browns during the late 1960’s. Dozier later earned the honor of being inducted to the Cedarville College (Cedarville University) Men’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987.

In early 1975 the gentle giant Dozier was introduced to his forever love, Barbara, by mutual friends Floreen and Ken McCall. Together they built a loving home in Detroit for their children while both pursued graduate degrees. Dozier completed his studies earning a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University. In the late 1970s Dozier and Barbara purchased a fixer-upper on Detroit’s west side; this home provided a unique space for him to train his children in carpentry. In 1983, Dozier and Barbara moved to Dallas to support his in-laws, Jimmie and AW Brashear, through their latter years. The family joined St. Luke Community United Methodist Church where Dozier was a proud member of the Men’s Chorus. The family’s love was completed with the birth of their beautiful baby Cris in 1984.

Professionally, Dozier championed helping others. His work in the federal corrections field included roles as a parole officer, activities and special events coordinator, and construction educator. An afternoon that lives in fondest memories for many occurred in March of 1976 at a federal prison in Milan, Michigan where he arranged a special afternoon for the inmates and staff to spar with the great heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

After 30+ years of federal service Dozier retired from Seagoville Prison in Seagoville, Texas as a trades instructor. Following his retirement, he worked as an athletics instructor and coach in Dallas Independent School District at Ronald E McNair Elementary School, a trades instructor at Cedar Valley Community College and served as an advisor to Girly Shop Teacher Foundation.

In the evening hours of March 16th, Dozier went to dance with his best girl in heaven as their three children encircled him in love. Cris Carter, Robert Gamble, Tami Gamble (Gurnell) and a host of family friends were with him as he went “up yonder” to be with his Lord. He leaves in his wake of love grandchildren Titus, Barak, and Caleb (Gurnell), Carter and Olivia (Gamble); and sisters the late Florice Boggs, Ocee Carter, Lorene Simmons, Dorothy Beal, and Ruby Grant. He also leaves a legacy of honor and commitment to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Carter family.