James Dodd
James Rhea Dodd, 90, died on August 30, 2016.
A native of Chattanooga, James was born Nov. 29, 1925, to the late Roy Raymond Dodd and Cleo Guthrie Dodd Hoback, He was a paratrooper during World War II, serving with the 517th Parachute Regiment Combat Team in Europe earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during the Battle of the Bulge and the US Army’s advance into Germany. He was on a troop ship returning home to prepare for the invasion of Japan when the war ended.
In 1947 James joined the Chattanooga Fire Department rising to the rank of captain and serving at fire stations throughout the city during his career. He was first and foremost a family man, not only working to provide for their physical needs and education, but showing them by example how to be responsible citizens in their communities and to care for others. A long time resident of East Lake, he was involved in school and community activities and was known by all as a good neighbor. Over the years, he was active in Woodland Park, East Lake, East Ridge and Highland Park Baptist Churches.
James was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy Finnell; and brothers, Bobby Dodd and Carl Hoback.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Frances E. Dodd; his children, Roy R. Dodd (Judy) of Chattanooga, and Sylvia G. Eaves (Arnold) of Woodstock, Ga.; his brother, Ed Hoback (Cheryl) of Marietta, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be on Friday, Sept. 2, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of the Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, with Reverend Matthew Vandegriff officiating. Interment will follow the funeral at Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank Vivian Sorrell, Jean Lewis, Ronda Sparks, Sara Lahti; the resident assistants of Morning Pointe Assisted Living at Shallowford and Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care of James.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, or Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416.
Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.
Please share your condolences at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.