Stewart Ross Dodson peacefully transitioned to heaven on March 15, 2024. Stewart was a native Floridian, born July 21, 1933, in Rattlesnake, Florida (Tampa suburb). He was a machinist with the United States Navy in the Korean War and then with Seaboard Air Line Railroad. He later worked for Reynolds Metals Company in Tampa, Florida, Bristol, Tennessee, and Richmond, Virginia. Stewart spent the second half of his career as a business owner of an engraving and signage company, Engraving Service & Design. In his retirement years, Stewart spent over two decades participating in mission work in the United States and around the world, including Honduras, Kosovo, Austria, Italy, and Canada. Stewart was an Amateur Radio operator for over 50 years.
Stewart is survived by his bride of 68 years, Eleanor Scallions Dodson from Ripley, Tennessee. Stewart and Eleanor had two children, Mark Erwin Dodson (deceased September 29, 1974) and Kay Dodson Congdon, daughter Lauri Vangor Hernandez, grandson Jeffrey Whitefield Congdon, Jr. (Whit) (wife, Molly Hickerson Congdon), grandson Mark Ross Congdon (wife, Chelsea Voltz Congdon), seven great-grandchildren Lillian Grace, Jeffrey Whitefield, III (Chip), Addison Elizabeth, Helen Virginia, Caroline Lane, Phillip Rhodes, and Parker Ross. Stewart is also survived by his sister Ardyth Dodson Stone, brother David Gaylord Dodson, and several nieces and nephews. Stewart was preceded by brother Arthur Gregg Dodson (August 4, 2015).
A service will be held to celebrate the life of Stewart at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21st, at Richmond's First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Compassion Ministry of First Baptist Church.
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