OBITUARIES

Obituary: Dr. Michael Joseph Dotson

Staff Writer
Donaldsonville Chief
Dr. Michael Joseph Dotson

When God had Louis play the treasured song that calls the Saints home, that was so beloved by this good and honorable man, Mike went willingly toward the Light that promises eternal life in a new body free of pain.

Dr. Michael Joseph Dotson was born March 30, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Rhea Esneault and John Dotson. Raised in New Orleans, he spoke fondly of a safer time when his Mother would put him on a train bound for Cincinnati, entrusting the six-year-old to the care of a conductor until he reached his Aunt in Cincinnati. Mike rode his bicycle throughout New Orleans, attended Catholic Schools where he loved to challenge the brothers and sisters, and wrestled in high school.

Mike was an excellent student and attended LSU. Unfortunately, he enjoyed life outside the classroom immensely. After re-establishing his priorities, he received his BA at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La. in 1973. During this time, he married Janice Frazer and worked as a Sales Manager at Phillip Morris Furniture Company. The love of learning led him back to Mississippi State University where he earned a DBA in Marketing in 1984 and taught. A favorite story was while a financially struggling graduate student, he and Janice had people over for a dinner featuring a beautiful roast, which was grabbed in midair and eaten by a beloved English Bulldog.

In 1983, Mike accepted a position in the Marketing Department at Appalachian State University. He was a member of this Department until his death and served as a Professor and Acting Chairperson. In the 34 years he spent at ASU, he taught Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Advertising, and Channels; published 58 refereed journal articles; gave 24 presentations at various professional meetings; and, served at the Department, College, and University levels. In recognition of the quality of Mike’s research, he was recognized with the Walker College of Business Scholarship/Research Award in 2012.

Mike enjoyed not only showing dogs, but also guiding more than one to achieving Canine Good Citizen. He had planned to retire in December 2017 and looked forward to grooming his Briards Jackamo and Fury through obedience trials and to writing fiction. Mike loved his family and took great pride in being a exemplary husband, an involved Father, a loving Uncle, Brother, and Son-in-Law, and a loyal friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved Aunt Edna and Aunt Florence, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many dear friends and companions. Those left to grieve and cherish his memory are: his wife of 25 years, Mary Darden McLeod; his cherished son Sean Michael Dotson; his beloved brothers, Maurice and Pierre Wirth; his dear sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Beth McLeod & Jon Kral; his dear brother-in-law, T McLeod; a sister-in-law, Jennifer McLeod; his nieces Kimberlye and Gracie; his nephews Thomas, Walker, and Braxton; numerous cousins and friends; Janice Frazer Voss & husband Jeff; and his beloved canine and feline fur babies.

Services for Dr. Michael Dotson will be held at 2:00 (1400) Sunday, 13 August 2017 at the home of T. Bragg McLeod, 108 Penny Lane, aka George Blagg Lane, Blowing Rock, NC with parking at the Church of the Epiphany Mission, 163 Galax Lane, Blowing Rock, NC.

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers but encourages memorials to: Old Friends Equine Rescue, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324; Partners! Canines, 476 Shotwell Rd., Suite 102-224, Clayton, NC 27520; Watauga Humane Society, PO Box 1835, Boone, NC 28607; or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Dotson McLeod family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service, in Boone, NC, is in charge of the arrangements.