Charles Dean Dodson, 84, passed away on April 27, 2026, at Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Pulaski Hospital.
Charles was born on February 23, 1942, in Arlington, Kentucky, to the late John B. Dodson and Mary Katherine Gill Dodson.
He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Charles received a student scholarship for the engineering program at UK, a reflection of his dedication and strong work ethic. In recognition of his character and potential, the governor nominated him as a Kentucky Colonel early in life, and he remained an active Kentucky Colonel throughout his years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He went on to build a long and successful career as a civil engineer with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Charles will be remembered for his kind heart and the genuine way he connected with others. He never met a stranger, and everyone who knew him thought the world of him. He loved reading and was rarely without a book, building a collection that could rival any library. He also enjoyed golfing and was quite good at it. In his younger years, he was an avid tennis player and played basketball during his time in the Army. A devoted University of Kentucky basketball fan, Charles proudly “bled blue.”
Some of his happiest moments were spent traveling with his beloved wife of 48 years, Deborah, especially at their vacation home in Destin, Florida. He truly treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that meant so much to him.
Charles was a longtime member of Reidland United Methodist Church, where his children were raised, and he also attended Shoreline Church while in Destin, Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Lynn Dodson of Destin, Florida; his children, Gabriel (Amber) Dodson of Paducah, Kentucky, and Nicole (Zachary) McGee of Fairbanks, Alaska; his brothers, Dwin (Emily) Dodson of Winchester, Tennessee, Alan (Brenda) Dodson of Wadesville, IN, Indiana, and Jason Dodson of Carlisle County, Kentucky; his sisters, Wina (Billy) Patey of Carlisle County, Kentucky, and Lisa Dodson of Clinton, Kentucky; and his cherished grandchildren, Ava Dodson, Adalyn Dodson, Knox Dodson, Charlotte McGee, and Macklyn McGee.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, Kentucky, with Rev. Larry Buchanan officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Please share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com
