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Celebrating the life of

Ernest Gene Dodd, Jr. (Coach Dodd)

July 23, 1962 - August 29, 2023

Ernest Gene Dodd, Jr.  (Coach Dodd)

The family of Coach Dodd sadly announces his death on August, 29, 2023. He was born in Savannah, GA on July 23, 1962 to the late Ernest Gene Dodd, Sr. and Trudy Robertson-Dodd. He is survived by his loving wife, Monica Simon-Dodd; his two sons, Samuel Gene Dodd and Geoffrey Simon Dodd. Also surviving him are his brothers, Gordon, Barry (Leslie), and Travis; and his special aunt and uncle, Thelma and Karl Harris. 

Coach Dodd was born and raised in Savannah, and was an all-state football and all-city basketball athlete for the Savannah Christian Raiders. After graduating, he attended the Citadel Military College on a full scholarship to play fullback on the Bulldog’s football team until graduating with a degree in English. Afterwords, he received his teaching certificate from Armstrong Atlantic State University and began his teaching career at Coastal Middle School.

He loved his family, Coastal Middle School soccer, Georgia Bull Dawgs, and all things sports. A local celebrity in his hometown, Coach Dodd took pride in teaching children as a soccer coach and teacher for 30 years. He led the Coastal Middle School soccer team to be city champions for 10 years straight, and ,more important to him, he wanted to be a positive role model and influence for the students that he taught and coached. Additionally, he was equally passionate to coach the winning Fusion youth recreational soccer team for many years. He sincerely cared about all the students and players that he taught.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Station Exchange assisted living home in Richmond Hill in honor of Coach Dodd.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Gene was a fine man with a humble spirit and a love and compassion for his family, friends, and his students. He left a true legacy of honor and respect for everyone he met. I will miss him.

- Dickey Best, Guyton, GA

My deepest sympathy

- Elaine Braver, Wilmington Island, GA

I coached Coach Gene at Savannah Christian in the late seventies. He was a great athlete on football field as well as the basketball court. I was glad to see where he coached and I am sure he main an impact on many of his students. We will be praying for his family during this difficult time.

- Jeff & Sherri Goodman, Savannah, GA

A great man will be missed. He lived his life well. My the Peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with the entire Dodd family.

- Monica Moore, Savannah, Georgia

Gene is one of my wonderful cousins. He was kind, caring, humble and talented. I'm proud of all he accomplished and the good he did. My sincere condolences to Monica and all the family. He'll surely be missed till we meet again.

- Brian Waters, Rockledge, Florida

Our deepest condolences Monica , the boys , family and friends! Gene was a great coach , mentor and teacher ! He will truly be missed

- Buchner family, Wilmington island, Georgia

Gene is my first cousin. Our mothers, both now deceased, are sisters. Gene and I were both born in Savannah just a few months apart and most likely at the same hospital. I have many fond memories of sleepovers, fishing and crabbing in the river near the Dodd’s house, climbing trees and eating figs from a fig tree in their yard. Gene was able to blend a competitive drive with a sweet and humble nature, which helped him become a fine athlete and a compassionate and supportive husband, father and coach. My condolences to Monica, the boys and the rest of the family.

- Keith Waters, Orlando, Florida

Coach Dodd coached two of my boys when they were at coastal middle. First Andrew then 8 years later Callum. The fact he remembered our family with all the kids that pass through his hands was remarkable, and the fact he made such an impressions on my boys they still talk about him today, 3 years after the youngest graduated high school. His passion for the school and its soccer program will always be remembered.

- Mandy Hayes, Davenport, FL

My condolences to Monica, Samuel, and Geoffrey. Gene was a wonderful man, husband, father, coach, and friend. He will be missed by many.

- Lucie Hughes , Lexington , SC

Monica, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our prayers.

- Kerri McGinty, Savannah, GA

Gene Dodd will always be a wonderful memory to our family. He was always patient and loved teaching the kids about sports, life, and good sportsmanship. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

- Susie and Wolfgang Ziegler, Savannah, GA

Coach Dodd sure held a special place in our family. He was a coach and role model for all 4 of our sons and we considered him a friend.

- Faith Heebner, Savannah, Ga

I remember fun times growing up with Gene and our other cousins. We often visited his home where there was an screen-enclosed porch where they had rabbits, a detached workshop where we hung out (still remember the smell of pine sap lumber). We had a lot of fun on the Slip n' Slide in their front yard. While still young, Gene and his brothers, Gordon, Barry, and Travis, were well on their way to becoming great sportsmen. I am proud of Gene for his family, career, and other accomplishments. We hope to see him again and we send our condolences to the family.

- Reed Crouch, Marietta, Georgia

Monica, Samuel and Geoffrey, I had the pleasure of being in the same Company at The Citadel as Gene for 3 years. He was a great Man, Athlete and Scholar. He was always in great spirits with a smile on his face. He touched so many lives with his vocation! With our condolences, From the McLaughlin Family, Preston and Michelle

- Preston McLaughlin, Thurmont, Maryland

I am so sorry for your loss. Our family has good memories of him at CMS and talking with him out and about. My son truly enjoyed having him as his soccer coach and respected him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

- Linda Rahimitabar, Savannah, Georgia

Coach was a wonderful mentor to our boys and friend to our family. We will miss you!

- Faulkner Family, Savannah, Ga

I’m so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. What a great man he was. Both of my boys were fortunate to have had him as their coach, mentor and our friend. He dedicated so much of his time and devotion to his teams. It was never overlooked. I always admired him.. he will be missed.

- Rhonda Buie, Savannah, Georgia

I'm so sorry to hear of Coach Dodd's passing. He coached both of my boys and we all thought very highly of him. Praying for his family.

- Kathy Restel, Savannah, GA

I was so sorry to hear of Gene's passing.  Gene was a great friend and a great teammate of mine at Savannah Christian in the late 70's and one of the kindest and most considerate people I have ever known.  On the playing field he was always ferocious in competition but magnanimous in victory.  He was always a perfect gentleman and a great sportsman.  I know I shall carry nothing but the fondest memories of Gene to my own grave.  Peace, love, and blessings of comfort to Monica, their sons, and his entire family.  

- Charles "Zip" Zimmerman, Midville, GA

I grew up with Gene and his family at church. Then years later his Mother married my Father and Gene became my step brother. Gene and I used to play tennis at Daffin Park and basketball at church growing up. Gene was fierce in sports but was such a gentleman and gentle giant in life while growing up. May good memories warm and comfort his families hearts in the knowledge that Families are Forever, thoughts and prayers for his family.

- Tammy Jung, Marietta , Georgia

I attended Saturday's service to honor my classmate and team-mate at Savannah Christian, Gene Dodd. The love and respect shown for this man was amazing. Many thoughts have run through my mind since the service. I can only express my respect through a football analogy. Gene played fullback in our potent wishbone attack. The wishbone offense can be extremely successful mostly dependent upon the fullback dive. Gene was the cog that made it all come together. It was an honor to take the field with you on Friday nights. " Set steady hike" my friend.

- Barry Coppage, Rincon , Ga

Coach Dodd was my PE Coach back when I attended Coastal Middle School, I stumbled across this while looking for someone else’s obituary on here and it broke my heart. He was an amazing guy and coach from what I remember from my time at CMS. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to his family.

- Candice Myers, Savannah, Ga

Coach Dodd was a wonderful man, a great coach, and a great role model for young athletes. I’m very blessed that my son was able to play soccer for him. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.

- Derek West, Richmond Hill , GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200