Anderson Dotson, Jr.'s Obituary
Anderson Oliver Dotson Jr., 70, died December 23, 2011, with his beloved wife of 44 years, Joyce Lee Dotson by his side in Marietta, GA. He was born in New Orleans, LA to the union of Anderson Oliver Dotson Sr. and Etta Mae Scott. He was the first of his parents’ five children. He spent nearly all of his childhood life in Moss Bluff, LA and graduated in 1960 from Washington High School in Lake Charles, LA where he was an exemplary student and member of the varsity football team. Upon his high school graduation, he attended McNeese State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1964. In 1966, he made school history at McNeese by becoming the first student to earn a Master of Science Degree in Chemistry. Anderson married Joyce Lee (Bellard) Dotson, his life-long love, the daughter of the late John Benjamin Bellard and the late Viola T. Bellard, in 1967 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles. Along with his bride of 44 years, he is survived by his three children; Andrea (Herbert) Gray of Marietta, GA, Anderson Oliver (Melissa) Dotson III of Baton Rouge, LA, and Aimee (Michael) Manion of Marietta, GA; and by nine grandchildren: Sebastian Gray, Kaitlin Gray, Miles Gray, Andie Dotson, Ryann Dotson, Esseance Gray, Marcus Manion, Christian Manion, Lauryn Manion. He is also survived by his mother, Etta Mae Dotson, and sister, Caroline Dotson Jones, both of Moss Bluff, LA. He was preceded in death by his father, Anderson Oliver Dotson Sr., and three brothers: Donald Dotson Sr., David Dotson Sr., and Edwin Dotson Sr. Anderson’s distinguished professional career began in 1966 when he joined Cities Services Company, a later subsidiary of Columbian Chemicals Company, as a chemist. He was to remain with the same company for 40 years, retiring from Columbian Chemicals Company on April 22, 2006. Throughout his entire career, he was known and respected internationally for his strong work ethic and as a talented research chemist. His career included work assignments in Lake Charles, LA, Cranberry, NJ, Swartz, LA and Marietta, GA. He was a talented and innovative researcher and received numerous patents for his work with various chemical compounds. In support of his research, he made numerous international trips throughout his career, including visits to Russia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. He also completed additional professional studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. His research included many varied projects in the various disciplines of analytical chemistry. His accomplishments included his developing additives for jet fuel, additives for plastics used in Flame Retardant Chemistries, methods to oxidize Carbon Black and to detect low level Polynuclear Aromatics on Carbon Black, specialized catalysts for Fuel Cell Applications, and working in Cyclic Chemistry. He also was heavily involved in overseeing various safety programs and initiatives during his career. Most notably, the research facility in Swartz, LA recorded over one million hours of work without a single lost time incident during his tenure. His numerous awards and promotions included receiving the Black Achiever’s Award from the Harlem Branch of the Greater New York YMCA Chapter (1973), being promoted to Senior Research Chemist (1980), being named to the Cities Services Who’s Who List (1980), serving on the United Way of Monroe, LA Funding Board (1983-1990), and being named Manager of Special Programs (2000). While his professional career is undoubtedly distinguished and a source of great pride for all those who knew him, “Uncle Buck”, as he was known to his numerous nieces and nephews (and their friends who Uncle Buck adopted on the spot), will be best remembered for his infectious laugh, generous spirit, inspirational chats, and deep love of his extended family and friends. Uncle Buck most loved spending time with his family. With his beloved pipe in his mouth, he was always ready to roll out the barbeque pit, prepare a hearty meal, or simply sit around and talk about any topic that interested others. A true “farm boy” at heart, he loved all animals, especially his horses, and enjoyed riding and caring for them with great enthusiasm. He developed a love for tennis and chess during his early life and engaged in these treasured hobbies whenever he could. He cherished his wife and children deeply, centering his life on them and later his beloved grandchildren. Mere words cannot express the sincere love and appreciation that his immediate and extended family, co-workers, neighbors and numerous friends have for Uncle Buck. The family will hold a brief viewing for area friends and former co-workers on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 6-8 pm at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home in Austell, GA. Following the viewing, he will be flown to Louisiana for a memorial service and burial there. The family will hold a viewing and memorial service at King’s Funeral Home in Lake Charles, LA on Friday, December 30, from 6-9 pm. The memorial service will begin at 7 pm and will be followed by a rosary led by Deacon Elray Bushnell and the Legion of Mary at 8 pm. After a final viewing on December 31, 2011 from 8:30 – 9:30 am at King’s Funeral Home, funeral services will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic in Lake Charles at 10:00 am. Father Marcus Johnson will officiate. Following the service, Mr. Dotson will be laid to rest at West Fork Cemetery in Moss Bluff, LA. The Dotson family will fellowship with other family and friends at the KPC Hall #141 on Opelousas Street in Lake Charles following the burial.
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