Johnny Burl Dotson

Johnny Burl Dotson, of Mooresburg, Tennessee, and formerly of Phelps, Kentucky, was welcomed into the Lord’s arms on September 5, 2026.

Johnny Burl was born April 15, 1941, in Pike County, Kentucky, to the late John B. and Minnie Dotson. He was one of nine children and graduated from Phelps High School. After graduation, Johnny Burl moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he began his career with Westinghouse.

His daughter, Jonda, was born, and the family eventually returned to Phelps in 1976 as the coal boom brought new opportunities to the area. Johnny Burl worked as a coal miner from 1976 until 1996, when health issues forced him to retire. He moved to Tennessee in late 1997, where he later took up small engine repair.

Johnny Burl found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors. Fishing was his main hobby, and he also loved cutting wood, gardening, and spending time outside. You could often find him relaxing in his porch swing, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Minnie Dotson; and siblings, Edith Blair, Mary Bentley, Leona Milam, Clarence “Buddy” Dotson, Shelby Hunt, Della Justice, and Jim Dotson; former wife, Sadie.

He is survived by his children, Jonda (Steve) and Jeff; grandchildren, Matthew and Jon Michael; sister, Gail Emerson; and beloved dog, Coco.

The family would like to thank Tracy and Susie Johnson of Mooresburg for their friendship and support, as well as UT Hospice for the care provided to Johnny Burl and his family.

Funeral Ceremony will be 11:00 AM Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Gooslin Bottom Pentecostal Church of God, Phelps KY, with the Rev. Benny Freeman officiating. Interment will follow in Davidson Memorial Gardens,  Ivel, KY.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Saturday at Gooslin Bottom Church. Arrangements entrusted to Dotson Funeral Home & Cremation, Maryville, TN and JW Call Funeral Home, Pikeville, KY. Online Book of Memories:  Dotsonfuneralhome.com

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