Richard Lee Dotson

Richard Lee Dotson, 78, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2018 at his home in Burleson, Texas. He was born on January 30, 1940 in Itasca, Texas to Hoyt and Laura (Faries) Dotson.
He grew up in Files Valley, Texas and graduated from Itasca High School. After high school he attended Hill County Junior College. He began his career as a machinist and held several positions in the mechanical field before joining General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin, as an Aerospace NC Programmer where he worked for 30 years until the time of his illness.
In 1964, Richard married the love of his life, Shirley Burgess, and they celebrated 54 years of marriage together.
He will be remembered for his talent to fix or build anything including motorcycles, cars and F-16 and F-35 aircraft components. Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all spending time with his family and especially his beloved grandchildren who cherished his generous heart, steadfast patience and sound advice.
Richard was preceded in death by his father and mother, his son Stephen Paul Dotson, his brother Wayne Dotson and his nephews David Wayne Dotson and Matthew Burt.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of Burleson, Texas; daughter Terri Dotson-Vellenger of Burleson, Texas; son Rich (Emily) Dotson of Fort Worth, Texas; sister Deb (Phil) Simmons of Osceola, Texas; grandchildren Cole (Patty) Dotson, Lauren (Rey) Guadian, Nick Dotson, Landon Vellenger and Connor Dotson; great-grandson, Stephen Rey Guadian and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Chapel, 3701 Birchman Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, on Wednesday, November 7 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60611, or the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219.
The family wishes to extend gratitude to Dr. Chad Newton and the staff at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas and cherished extended family and friends for their prayers and support.