Thomas "Tommy" Anthony Dotson

Thomas “Tommy” Anthony Dotson, age 80, of Marietta, Georgia, entered eternal life on July 30, 2020 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on September 18, 1939 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Helen Louise McGuire Dotson and William Lee Dotson, Sr.

Tommy grew up in Savannah and attended grammar school at Sacred Heart and high school at Benedictine Military School. He was proud to be a Benedictine Cadet and graduated at the top of his class. Following graduation, he attended Georgia Tech for two years and studied Electrical Engineering. Tommy worked in the electrical industry as an electrical contractor with a State Master’s License in both the Commercial and Residential fields. At the age of 52, he returned to college to complete his education and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Kennesaw University. He also studied at the University of West Georgia working towards a master’s degree in Psychology.

Tommy had four teenage children from a previous first marriage when he married Maureen Poore Dotson on August 15, 1987 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta and their love journey has endured over 32 years. Tommy was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was a spiritual leader with a strong faith in his Lord and a positive outlook on life which carried him through some difficult times and Maureen was always at his side. He loved his children and enjoyed spending quality family time with them. He adored his seven grandchildren and loved being “grandpa” as they brought him so much joy and happiness.

Tommy was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Ann in Marietta for the last two years during his illness. He was a former member of St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell for nine years and Holy Family for 24 years where he served in numerous ministries and organizations. He was a Fourth Degree Honorary Life Member in the Knights of Columbus having served over 30 years in this Catholic fraternal organization.

Tommy is survived by his wife Maureen; sons Tad (Ashley), and Chris (Allison); daughter, Shelley Buckley (Tim); and grandchildren, Clara, Caroline, Morgan, Daniel, Michael, Brenner and Abigail. He is preceded in death by his son Brian, grandson Miles, and brothers, Bill, Gene, Jimmy, Henry, Walter, Bob, and sisters Frances Parker and Patricia Elrod.

The family will receive guests during a viewing on Thursday, August, 6, 2020 between the hours of 6:00pm – 8:00pm at H.M. Patterson & Son – Canton Hill Chapel. Due to COVID-19 protocols, all guests will be required to wear a face mask and social distancing will be observed while inside Canton Hill Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00am. Due to COVID-19 protocols, attendance is for registered guests. All guests will be required to wear a face mask and social distancing will be observed. The funeral will be streamed and available to view long after the mass as well. For more information, please visit, www.st-ann.org. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park, in Sandy Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Thomas’ name to either the Knights of Columbus Council 8376 (Catholic Church of St. Ann) or The Alzheimer’s Association.