Henry Haley Dodson, Sr.

Henry Haley Dodson, Sr. passed away on October 16th. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Rachel Dodson. He is survived by daughter Cindy Pearce and her husband Randall; son Haley Dodson and his wife Lori; three grandchildren, Collin Pearce, Katelyn Dodson, and Sarah Dodson. He also considered Kenny Holley and Sue Calverley members of the family. He is also survived by four of his eight siblings. Henry was born as the second of nine children to John and Hattie Dodson on Christmas Day in 1925 in Virginia. He found his way to Raleigh in 1948 where he started his career as a carpenter, working with Frank Walser. After many years, he continued his carpentry career with Williams Realty and Building until retirement. Henry and Rachel’s home was the neighborhood gathering spot for a large number of children throughout the ‘70’s. It might be a friendly ball game, telling of ghost stories or some fathering advice in his wood shop. Sports always was a major part of his life. Whether it was watching all these kids at Lions Park, cheering for his grandkids in soccer or cheering on his favorite Duke Blue Devils. During his golden years, he enjoyed a new group of neighbors and children. Henry looked forward to his neighbors coming over to visit and talk, as he seemed to have never met a stranger. His presence will be deeply missed by so many, but his spirit will live on in those that knew him. A visitation will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh on Thursday, October 20th, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 21st beginning at 11:00 am at Rehoboth Primitive Baptist Church, Benson with burial following in the Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to Transition Life Care at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607-6372.