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 Major Richard
Boyd Dodson
Richard Boyd Dodson, 80 of Maumelle, Arkansas, 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 Vietnam and was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross [537th]. 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 was be Monday from 12PM until 1PM at Benton Funeral Home in
Fordyce. Funeral services followed at 1PM at the Benton Funeral Home
Chapel. Burial will follow at New Holly
Springs Cemetery.
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