Richard Boyd Dodson

RICHARD BOYD DODSON, 80, of Maumelle, passed away Thursday, Aug. 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 Oct. 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 Oct. 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. 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, Colo.; 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 12-1 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at New Holly Springs Cemetery. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.