Clarence Owen "Buddy" Dotson

Clarence Owen "Buddy" Dotson, age 81, of Wildwood, formerly of Freeburn, KY, died Friday, October 14, 2016 at The Cleveland Clinic. Clarence was a kind, gentle man who always had an open ear and a tender heart for others. Many times he put the interests of others before his own.. He was born October 25, 1934 in Freeburn, Kentucky; the oldest boy of 9 brothers and sisters. Buddy loved his family and was very proud of his people. He earned his BA and MA from Morehead State University, and was a proud alumnus. He went on to be an accomplished educator, serving as a Teacher, Principal, and Guidance Counselor in school systems in Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Florida, and most recently in Sevier County and Seymour, Tennessee before retiring. While still in education, he researched and began pursuing what would be his second career, as a funeral director and embalmer. After obtaining his Mortuary Science Degree at John A. Gupton College in Nashville, he went on to accomplish the dream of opening a funeral home for he and his family when Dotson Funeral Home opened in August, 1979, and has been family owned and operated by the Dotson Family ever since. Mr. Dotson was a very religious person and believed deeply in his Savior. He grew up in the Pentecostal and Apostolic faiths and was an ordained minister. In his later years, he went on to further research and study, even delving into the Hebrew Language. He was always humble and wanted to continually be good to people. He was a veteran, honorably serving in the U.S. Army. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, as was his father. He also held licenses for Real Estate, Insurance, and was an auctioneer. He was also very musically talented, with a natural ability to play most instruments. He was also a gifted songwriter, composing many of his own songs. He was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Minnie Dotson; sisters, Edith Dotson Blair, Mary Bentley, Shelby Hunt, Della Justice; brother, Jimmy Dotson; dear friend, Walter Harrill. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Jeweldene Williamson Dotson; sons, Barry K. (Shay) Dotson, Brent L. Dotson; grandchildren, Shaunmarie "Alex" Dotson & Andrew Heath Dotson; sisters, Leona Francis Milam of Columbus, OH, Gail (Kent) Emerson of Murfreesboro; brother, Johnny Dotson of Mooresburg, close family friends, Howard Kerr, Eleanor Harrill, Jerry Wolfenbarger, Brian Buckmon. Funeral Ceremony will be 1:00 P.M., Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Gooselin Bottom Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Benny Freeman, officiating. Interment will follow in Davidson Memorial Gardens, Ivel, KY. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 18, 2016 in the Dotson Wildwood Chapel. The family will also receive friends after 6:00 PM, Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Gooselin Bottom Church. Arrangements by Dotson Funeral Home, Maryville, TN and J.W. Call and Son Funeral Home of Pikeville, KY. Online Book of Memories - www.dotsonfuneralhome.com or www.jwcallfuneralhome.com

Visitation Details

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Dotson Wildwood Chapel

Wednesday, October 19th, 2016 6:00pm, Gooselin Bottom Pentecostal Church

Service Information

Thursday, October 20th, 2016 1:00pm, Gooselin Bottom Pentecostal Church

Interment Details

Davidson Memorial Gardens

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