October 24, 2022, 89, Goldsboro –

Raymond Paul Dotson completed his earthly journey on Monday, October 24, 2022, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Ray was born on January 28, 1933, in Pike County, Kentucky to the late Andy Dotson and Mary Dotson of Phelps, Kentucky. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Carl Dotson, Irene Dotson Smith, and Edgar Lee Dotson.

A graduate of Phelps High School, Ray continued his education at Morehead College. He honorably served our country in the United States Air Force, retiring after 23 years of dedicated service. Stationed briefly in France, he was also stationed in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War; for 6 years in the Philippines at Clark Air Base and for a year in Thailand at Ubon Air Base. His journey in the Air Force brought him to Seymour Johnson where he served until retirement. During his military career, he embraced all travel opportunities and ultimately visited 58 countries and 49 states.

He entered retirement in the late seventies at the height of the CB Radio craze and opened the C.B. Twenty, located just outside of the front gate to Seymour Johnson. With his electronics expertise from his military career, he offered service as well as sales for twenty years. Beyond electronics, his range of interests spanned photography enlargement and development, coin collecting, computer hardware and software, lapidary, sculpture, and writing. He was active with and served as Secretary for the North Carolina Poetry Society.

Married to his college sweetheart, Gerri, the two lived devoted lives to each other for sixty-nine years. They raised a daughter and son together as they traveled from base to base. After settling here in Goldsboro they enjoyed being a weekend and vacation home to their grandchildren.

Active in the Masons and Shriners, Ray was the Past Master of Jerusalem Lodge, an Endowed member of Radiance Lodge, and the President of Wayne Shrine Club. Additionally, he was a Past Worthy Patron of the Goldsboro and Mt. Arayat (Philippines) Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. Here in eastern North Carolina, he traveled the roads to faithfully visit and support his masonic brothers, to the point of becoming an honorary member of seven different lodges. He actively supported DeMolay and Rainbow and was Dad Dotson to many young people over the years.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Ray’s life at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel with Rev. Andy Rose presiding. Interment will be at 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine “Gerri”, their two children Paul Jeffery Dotson (Helen Rinke) and Cheryl Kirk Love (Jeffery), three grandchildren; Fiona Marie Kirk (Michael Bennett), Sarah Tess Kirk, and Joshua Macabe Kirk; and by Frank Ware (Sarah), as close as a son.

The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation for the care given to Ray during his health decline by Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Tonya, and Ms. Icey. Their kindness and care were unmatched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made in Ray’s memory to Daniels Chapel, Shriners Hospital for Children, or Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.