of Harrison, AR
July 13, 1924 - August 11, 2016
A.J. Dodson, age 92, died peacefully Thursday, August 11, 2016, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. A.J. was born July 13, 1924, in Bass, Arkansas, the son of David Arthur and Walcie (Tennyson) Dodson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of almost 62 years, Nina (Ruble); and five brothers, Earl, Lilburn, Charles Lewis, Ben, and David.
A.J. graduated from Bellefonte High School and served in the United States Navy during World War II where he survived three typhoons aboard an LST in Okinawa. After returning to the Harrison area he married Nina Ruble July 10, 1948. A.J. was a member of the First Christian Church for over sixty years and was an active member of the Hearthstone Sunday School Class. After Nina's death, he created a memorial garden at the church and always enjoyed personally tending to that garden. He also loved sharing tomatoes and other vegetables from his backyard garden with friends and neighbors.
A.J. spent most of his life in the used and new car business and retired from Magness Buick in 1989. Not content to be idle, he then worked at Christenson Funeral Home for 17, years finally retiring in 2006.
A.J. is survived by two daughters, Debbie Hayes of Little Rock and Jan Walker of Tulsa, OK; one granddaughter, Laura Walker, of New York City; one brother, Joe Dodson, of Miami, OK; and three sisters in Harrison, Sue Newton, Nelda Young, and Betty Nash. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends throughout the community.
Visitation was Sunday, August 14, 2016, at Roller-Christenson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was Monday, August 15, 2016, at First Christian Church with burial at Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Kevin Mussett, Christopher Smith, Tom Atchley, Bill Magness, Jeff Christenson and Hilton West.
Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Hearthstone Sunday School Class of the First Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 915 S. Maple, Harrison, AR 72601 or the Boone County Senior Center (which furnished his Meals on Wheels for the past few months), 1516 Rock Springs Road, Harrison, AR 72601.
Jan and Debbie, I was so saddened to return from California (visiting my grandchildren) and see your dad's obit in last week's paper. I did get to visit with him shortly several months ago when he and Debbie were out eating at Dixie Cafe...which I am
so glad about! I wish I could have attended the visitation and service....but sending now my thoughts, prayers and condolences to you two. What an amazing guy and special servant he was to all in this community! He will be missed!! How blessed you both were being raised by two awesome parents!!!
Our hearts are saddened to hear about A.J. He was such a bright star at First Christian and Harrison. Always so kind to give of his time and talents to anyone. He made us feel great. What a wonderful life!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Out prayers and condolences to your family
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for the loved ones left. God be with you all.- Vernon Smith's daughter. -
We love you, Nelda
Our prayers are with you. Will always remember A.J. and Nina for their leadership in Chi Rho and C.Y.F. A remarkable man and full of love for everyone. God Bless.
So sorry for your loss. A.J. Was a precious man. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Rest in peace kind sir. It was a pleasure to have know you! Condolences to your beautiful family.