Jacob R. Dotson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather entered his heavenly home on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006. Truly a member of The Greatest Generation, he faced and mastered lifes challenges with determination and grace. He leaves a great legacy and will be missed.
Jake was born at home to John and Amanda (Messer) Dotson in Waynesville, N.C., on Sept. 10, 1919. Due to the untimely death of his parents in 1929, Jake entered Mills Home Orphanage. While there, he acquired life skills by holding down his share of the farm workload for one half-day and attending school the other half. Jake graduated from the orphanages high school in 1938 and then completed electrical trade school.
In 1940 Jake enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II. Upon discharge from the Navy, Jake met and married his sweetheart, Audrey Elizabeth Noland (Betty). He then enjoyed a successful career as an electrician in the construction, manufacturing, and electrical utility industries.
As a father, Jake was most generous with his time and resources. He would always drop what he was doing and offer us his help. He ensured that we received a quality education and portions of land on which to build our homes.
Jake was preceded in death by his nine brothers and sisters plus a grandson.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; and their two sons and their wives, Jim and Wanda, and Roy and Linda. Jake enjoyed his eight grandchildren, Leah and Mark Groves, Traci and Monty Shirk, Jon and Lina Dotson, Jeremy Dotson and Debbie Monet, Ben and Farrah Dotson, Angela and Matt Dotson/Rafie, Nicholas Dotson and Josh Dotson. He also greatly loved his seven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Sam, and Joshy Dotson, Aubree and Ole Groves and Cole and Collin Shirk.
Viewing was 1 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Weller Funeral Home, Arlington. A graveside service was at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Darrington Cemetery. Following the graveside service, all were invited to a memorial gathering at the Darrington Community Center. Memorial donations, in Jakes name, may be made to Baptist Childrens Homes of North Carolina.