Robert H. Dodds

Robert Harvey Dodds, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 26, in Rome, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Dudley Dodds, and Zenobia Holt Dodds, and by a sister, Mary Alice Bettersworth.

Robert was born in Flora, MS, on April 30, 1919. He grew up in Sartartia, MS, where he helped his father build the Sartartia High School. As a young man, he joined the CCCs prior to enlisting in the Air Force during WWII, where he served as a radio operator.

He was married to Patricia Hall Dodds on September 22, 1951. In addition to his wife Patricia, he leaves a son, Dr. Robert H. Dodds, Jr. (Deana) of Mahomet, IL, and a daughter, Deborah Dodds Gordon (Dennett) of Rome, GA, two nieces, Carol Doss (Len) of Memphis, TN and Marsha Estes (Terry) of Pinson, AL, and a step-grandson, Jason Bland of Springfield, IL. He also leaves his faithful caregivers, Angie Mitchell and Shirley Ragland, both of Rome.

Robert spent most of his working life in sales, retiring from Raleigh Tire Company in Memphis, TN. In Memphis, he was a member of the Whitehaven United Methodist Church, a member of the Helping Hands Sunday School Class, the Methodist Men’s Club and the Memphis Sales Executives Club. Since moving to Rome in 2002 to be near family, he has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Robert was a loving husband and devoted father. He was also an avid fisherman who had a deep love and respect for all nature. He especially loved being out on the many rivers, lakes and streams of Mississippi, West Tennessee and Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday, August 29 at 3 p.m. with Dr. David Campbell and Rev. David Duncan officiating. Graveside services follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens with the honor guard of Shanklin-Attaway Post 5 of the American Legion conducting military graveside rites. Family will receive visitors at Daniel’s Funeral Home on Saturday, August 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The LRE Men’s of Trinity Visitation Team will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family requests memorials to be sent to Trinity United Methodist Church or the Coosa River Basin Initiative in Rome.

Join Mr. Dodds’ family in celebrating his life by visiting www.mem.com to post tributes and share memories.