John M. Dortch II

John McKeage Dortch II, 85, returned to his Heavenly Father on February 11, 2018 peacefully in his home. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God were pillars for John during his battle with cancer.

Born to the late William Turner Dortch II and Retta Alberta (Walker) Dortch in Scranton, Pennsylvania on July 6, 1932, John was an only child. His family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he spent his youth as a train enthusiast and an amateur actor and singer playing the lead in school musicals. He reminisced fondly of his adolescent summers spent in Canada with his family. He was a dedicated son, learning the craft of his father in the glass and paint business. He attended Marquette University, then pursued military duty in the U.S Air Force as a Navigator. He began his civilian career working in a number of different industries including Pittsburg Plate Glass (PPG), the Midwest Stock Exchange, and hospital consulting. He concluded his professional career working for the U.S. Census Bureau in Birmingham, Alabama until his retirement at age 78. In his retirement he enjoyed watching soccer and tennis on TV, yardwork, and taking Patricia on photography outings.

John was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and regularly attended Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois where he met his wife of 38 years, Patricia Dortch. John and Patricia eventually settled in Birmingham, Alabama for over 30 years, where they faithfully attended Briarwood Presbyterian Church and John served as a choir member, Bible study leader, and ESL volunteer. He never wavered from his faithful Sunday routine, arriving at Briarwood early to set up coffee and tea for the choir before scurrying downstairs for Sunday School. This was followed by a mad dash to don his choir robe and arrive at the choir loft to sing for the Sunday Service, afterwards trading choir robe for well-worn and beloved Bible, to join Patricia in the congregation for the remainder of the service. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was blessed with a large and loving family, including 5 children, 5 grandchildren and a great-grandson. He often mentioned how thankful he was to witness the growth of his family, and enjoyed traveling with Patricia to visit them across the U.S., from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Idaho, to Cincinnati, the white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast and the snow-covered mountains of Vermont. And of course, everyone was always welcome to his home in Birmingham, Alabama. His travels also extended far beyond the United States, with many trips overseas, including a wonderful pilgrimage to Israel with Harry Reeder and the Briarwood Church.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Karen (Dinger) Dortch; his sons William Nichols Dortch and Geoffrey Lloyd Dortch; his daughters Kathryn (Dortch) Johnson, Suzanne Virginia Dortch, and Christina Marie (Dortch) Kennedy; his grandchildren Amanda Parrish Dortch, Elizabeth Ashley Dortch, Taylor Eden Kennedy, Avery Ruth Kennedy, and Leighton Joy Kennedy; and his great grandson, Justin Jude Lucas Dortch.

Funeral services will be held at Kilgroe Funeral Home at 1750 Ashville Rd, Leeds, AL on Friday, February 16, 2018. Family and friends will be received for visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., and the service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Reverend Mark Cushman officiating. A private burial will follow at Forest Crest Cemetery.