Chester Dodson

Chester Lee Dodson, 93, died peacefully surrounded by family Monday August 31st, 2015 at Hospice & Community Care in Rock Hill, SC.

Chester is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lena Laureen Sapp Dodson, their two daughters, Jennifer Ann Dodson and Cynthia Kay Dodson Drumwright, son-in-law Thomas Franklin Drumwright and five grandchildren, Andrew Douglas Hilton, Rebecca Lynn Hilton Razza, Stephen Allister Hilton, Ryan Thomas Drumwright and Colin Lee Drumwright.

Born December 18, 1921 in Ravenscroft, TN, Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Dodson and Ida Wallace Dodson, and brother, Pete Dodson. Shortly after the beginning of World War II, Chester joined the 305th Fighter Control Squadron in the United States Army Air Corps as a radio operator serving in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Chester earned his bachelor's and graduate's degrees in geology from West Virginia University. He spent 11 years working for the United States Geological Survey as a field geologist, and then 22 years as the Director of Water Research at West Virginia University. He was an active member of the Morgantown and Cookeville Rotary Clubs, and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Chester will be remembered for his wit, charm and generosity of knowledge and love.

Visitation will be held at Thurman Funeral Home, 44 N. Main Street, Sparta, TN, on Friday, September 4 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held at Thurman Funeral Home on Saturday, September 5 at 11 am. Internment will follow at Old Bon Air Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 (www.hospicecommunitycare.org).