To request a copy of this photo for your own personal use, please contact our state coordinator. If you are not a family member or the original photographer — please refrain from copying or distributing this photo to other websites.
Thank you for visiting the Arkansas Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 6/25/20 • Approved: 6/26/20 • Last Updated: 6/29/23 • R1324992-G0-S3
October 19, 1933 - August 21, 2014
Richard Boyd Dodson, 80 of Maumelle, passed away Thursday, August 21, 2014. Boyd was a gentle and intelligent man, a military pilot who served his country, a writer at heart who treasured his memories, a man who dearly loved his family, a friend who kept the bonds strong through eight decades of time, and a valiant soul who steadfastly faced the challenges of his last years.
Boyd was born October 19, 1933 in Holly Springs, to the late John Henry and Elizabeth Palmer Dodson. It was in Holly Springs that he met Jane Rhea Lancaster, whom he married October 21, 1955. He joined the United States Air Force through the Aviation Cadet program, and was a commissioned officer, piloting bomber and cargo aircraft. He served a tour in Viet Nam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his military service, he earned a degree in Industrial Management and worked in the field of construction before retiring. Boyd and Jane lived in Dyer for 26 years where he raised enormous gardens, served the community, and quietly assisted those in need. In 2012, Boyd and Jane moved to Maumelle to be closer to their children.
Boyd is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Johnie Palmer House, his brothers Eugene Dodson and Ferrell Dodson, and a granddaughter Rebecca Jones. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Dodson, his sister Mary Bell Mackey, his son Arlis Dodson and wife Becci of Broomfield, CO, and three daughters, Sharon Champion of Russellville, Diana Braswell and husband Lynn of Maumelle, and Jennifer Jones and husband Tim of Beebe. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Dana Champion, Russell Carey, Andrew Champion, Jessica Jones, Richard Carey, Elizabeth Franklin, Emily Jones, Victoria Jones, and Boyd Dodson; two great-grandchildren: Gabe Franklin and Percy Carey; and several nephews and nieces.
Boyd will be remembered for his beautiful writing, his quick wit, his gentle and strong hands, and his graceful determination.
The family would like to express a word of thanks to the staff of the St. Vincent Surgical ICU and Surgical Ward units, and the staff of Cornerstone Long-Term Acute Care Hospital for the kind and dignified care Boyd received during his lengthy hospitalization.
Boyd was a lifelong Methodist. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Boyd's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project or the National Parkinson Foundation.
Visitation will be Monday from 12PM until 1PM at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will follow at 1PM at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at New Holly Springs Cemetery. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .
Contributed on 6/25/20 by debbraszymanski
Email This Contributor
Suggest a Correction
Record #: 1324992