George W. Dodds

MARION-George W. Dodds, 89, of Marion, passed away at 9:00 AM, Thursday May 20, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 23, 2005 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Dr. Joey Brent officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday, May 23, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Mr. Dodds was born in Carrier Mills, Illinois to Freeman and Nettie (Chamness) Dodds on Feb 5, 1916. He married Anna Mae Cash on September 17, 1938 in Marion and she survives. Survivors include his wife Anna Mae Dodds of Marion; daughter and son in law Elaine and Rodman Hancock of Marion, daughter and son in law Alice and Rudi Schoppenthau of Largo, Fl., daughter and son in law Georgann and Terry Mullis of Bedford, IN, son John Dodds and Linda Davis of Marion; Grandchildren, Kellianne and Michael McSparin of Greenview, IL, Karen Hancock and Bill Benerman of Denver CO, Tina & Larry Adams of Odessa, FL, Toni Rametta of Largo, FL., and Nick &Teri Rametta of Largo, FL. Katie and Todd Kresser of Sommerville, MA. Isaiah Mullis of Indianapolis, IN. and Camden and Chase Dodds of Marion; Great grand children, Austin Rametta , Henry Benerman, Anna Grace Benerman, Lauren Adams, Andrew and Garret Adams; sister, Dorthy Thompson of Marion; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Dodds was a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion for over 60 years and held every position. Mr. Dodds was a radio pioneer and built his first ham radio when he was 11 years old. Mr. Dodds and Hartley Grisham founded WGGH radio on September 24, 1949 and Mr. Dodds later purchased Mr.Grisham`s part of the station and moved to its present location in 1955 and increased to 5000 watts of power. Mr. Dodds sold the station to Vine Broadcasting in 1992 and retired. George Dodds was charter member of the Marion Zoning commission and retired in 2004 after serving over 50 years. Mr. Dodds was also a charter member of Community Savings and Loan and stayed on the board until was sold to Charter Bank. Mr. Dodds was a firm believer in Marion and joined the Chamber of Commerce and served on many committees and as president and was awarded the August A. Fowler Lifetime Achievement award in 1991.