Frank Lewis Dotson

Click Here to Download a free funeral planning guide.

Celebrating the life of
Frank Lewis DotsonMay 15, 1926 - October 28, 2012

Frank Lewis Dotson B/Gen Retired

SAVANNAH - Frank Lewis Dotson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and one of America's citizen heroes died peacefully under hospice care on October 28, 2012. Truly one of The Greatest Generation, as described by Tom Brokaw, Dotson was a man of "duty, honor, economy, courage, service, love of family and country, and responsibility for oneself."

A native of Savannah, Lewis was born to Doris and Albert Dotson, Sr. on May 15, 1926. After graduating from Commercial High School in 1944, he began his military career serving in the 9th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II, achieving the rank of T/Sgt. Upon his return from service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Armstrong Junior College.

After returning from the war, Lewis spent 26 years in the retail business, first as a clothier with the locally owned Jones Company, then as manager of Bonds Store for Men, and finally, Vice President and General Manager of the three locally owned Harris the Hub stores.

Dotson's military career continued long after his service in World War II. In 1948, he joined the 117th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron of the Georgia Air National Guard as a charter member and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1950. He was again called to active duty in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 when the 117th AC&W Squadron was activated during the Korean conflict. Upon return from active duty, he remained with the 117th. He became Commander of the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron in 1976 and remained as Commander until his retirement on May 15, 1981. In addition to being the military commander, he was also the Air Technician commander from 1974 until his retirement. He completed 36 years of military service and retired with the rank of Brigadier General. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European Theatre of Operations Ribbon with Two Battle Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Georgia National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, and Georgia National Guard Service Medal with Device. Upon his retirement from the military, Dotson served as Director of the Chatham County Civil Defense now Chatham Emergency Management until his retirement in 1991.

Lewis was an outgoing and generous man with a strong commitment to community service. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, president of the Sertoma Club of Savannah, and recipient of the Superior Club Leadership Award by Sertoma International. He was a member of the first Local Government Study Committee, appointed by act of the Georgia State Legislature to make a thorough study of City and County governments and make recommendations for improvements, vice-president of the Business Development, Public Affairs & Membership Divisions of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce SACC and recipient of the SACC Distinguished Service Award Order of the Griffon in 1963, 1964 and 1965. He served as chairman of both the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Week and Independence Day Celebration; he was the first president of the Armstrong College Research Institute; chairman of the Savannah Chapter National Foundation March of Dimes, co-chairman of the March of Dimes campaign, serving on the executive board and as president; past-commander of the Savannah Chapter Military Order of World Wars; appointed in 1971 to the Chatham County Civil Defense Council now Emergency Management and served as Chairman until 1981; served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross retiring as Director Emeritus in 1998; also a 13 gallon blood donor. He completed 30 years of service on the Board of Directors and was past president of the Savannah Chapter of Consumer Credit Counseling Service; Served on the Board of Chatham County Emergency Medical Services and was President of the Emergency Management Association of Georgia in 1985. Dotson served on the Board of Directors for Forward Savannah, the Mayor's Vietnam Memorial Committee and was past president of the Board of the Coastal Center of Developmental Services. He was a member of the Executive Association, Air Force Association, National Guard Association of the United States and Georgia, Military Order of World Wars, American Legion Post #184, Thunderbolt Lodge #693, Scottish Rite, Patrol Unit of the Alee Shrine past captain, Royal Order of the Jesters, Elk's club, and Chatham County Exchange Club. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where he served on Church Council and most recently a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was also a member and past president of the Bacon Park Senior Golf Blitz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Albert S. Dotson, Jr. of Savannah; and his beloved wife of 63 years, Thereasa Terry Lowndes Dotson. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Leslie Dotson Jaggers and Rondell C. Jaggers of Smyrna, GA; sisters, Margaret D. Jones of Pooler and Martha D. Laughlin of Savannah; brother, Richard A. Dotson of Pooler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross www.savannahredcross.org, The Salvation Army, or Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012, at St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 W. 31st Street, Savannah, GA 31401.

Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Submissions protected by Kanshi.

GUEST BOOK

Leslie, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I have so many fond memories of him....he and my Dad used to take me to Anton's restaurant as a child. I also remember going on boat rides. He always had a smile and was so delightful to be with. I hope that your memories of him will provide you with much comfort.

- Melissa Lamas Calzada, Atlanta, GA

I am so sorry for your loss and will remember you and your family in my prayers.

- Maura Hall, Thomasville, GA

Love you and miss you Uncle Lou.

- Marc Stanley, USAFA, CO

Dear Leslie, I know you will miss your dad as much as we will. He did a lot for us when we were first married. He was our 'brother'. But he missed your Mom so much and at last they are reunited. Our prayers are with you and yours. Love, Aunt Martha & Uncle Nic

- Aunt Martha & Uncle Nic, Henderson, NV

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Lewis Dotson. May God sustain and strengthen you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Mac & Brenda Salter

- Mac & Brenda Salter, Savannah, GA

Family, I am sorry to hear of Lou's passing but I know the Dotson's are having a great family homecoming. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time of bereavement. Love, the Griner Family

- Jan Griner, Ellabell, GA

Leslie, please accept my sympathy in your loss. Betty Heard

- Betty Heard, Savannah, GA

Leslie I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was awesome and I always enjoyed spending time with him. I'm not able to make it down to Savannah, but will be in touch soon. God Bless you Greg

- Greg Dotson, Marvin, NC

Leslie, Out thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Uncle Lou will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so happy that the boys got to meet him over the summer.

- Charlie Mays, Riverton, UT

My sincere condolence to the family of Lou Dotson...we have lost a great friend. He will be missed. Dennis C. Cooper

- DENNIS COOPER, SAVANNAH, GA

Dear Leslie, I want to offer my condolances for the passing of your Dad. I was the USAF Active Duty advisor at the 117th TACS from 1967-1972 and was a dear friend for Lewis. I will keep his soul and you all in my prayers. God Bless.

- Lou Peca, Major USAF, Ret, Fort Walton Beach, FL

General you will be missed. Love Joe and Betsy Ciliberto

- Mr.& Mrs. Ciliberto, Pooler, GA

Mr. Dotson was an inspiration and positive influence on me while I worked for him at Harris the Hub from 1963 until 1970, while attending Jenkins and Arnstrong. I believe he mentored many teens like me, and also believe that Savannah has been a better place because of him and all the service he gave so freely. My condolences to Leslie and his extended family. Rest in Peace, Mr. D.

- Eddie Gray, Madison, MS

Lewis was a good man. He will be missed by everyone.

- Harry Prince, Savannah, GA

Leslie, Your dad was someone I have always admired. I will always remember our trips on the boat and how both your mom and dad treated me like one of their children. God Bless you and know that my prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Your friend,

- Robert Fritts, Savannah, GA

It is a privilege to serve your family. HOSPICE SAVANNAH

- carole tutan, savannah, GA

Notwithstanding all the wonderful achievements listed in his obit, that Lou has demonstrated, the most impressive that I take to heart was 'Lewis was an outgoing and generous man with a strong commitment to community service'. I am truly sorry for his parting. I believe Lou knew something about everyone in Savannah.. Good man and a great role model. He sure did a lot for a lot of people.

- Carl & Norma Canicatti, Savannah, GA

LESLIE, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. I KNOW YOUR HEART IS STILL HEAVY FROM THE LOSS OF YOUR MOM. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

- REBEKAH ARVIN, MOUNT VERNON, KY