Ralph Dodson
1933-2010
Ralph “Dave” Dodson, 76, of Jacksonville, N.C., died Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C.
He was born on July 21, 1933, in Berkeley Springs.
He attended school at Berkeley Springs High School until May 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 4, 1953.
He completed recruit training at MCRD, Parris Island in August 1953, he was assigned as a rifleman with orders to MCDEC, Quantico, Va. and subsequently to Norfolk, Va., to train reservists on the rifle range.
After an extensive service career he transferred to the second Force Service Support Group, Camp Lejeune in March 1979, where he served as the disbursing chief until his retirement date, he continued his government service for the next 14 years at the Marine Corps Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune by instructing service members in Marine Corps Finance.
His awards and decorations consist of National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), Vietnam Service Medal with five devices, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960, Navy Achievement Medal with combat “V,” Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with one star, Meritorious Unit Commendation with palm and frame, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
A funeral service was held at Jones Funeral Home of Jacksonville with the Rev. Larry Haggard officiating. Burial at Onslow Memorial Park with military honors.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia “Pat” Dodson of Jacksonville; one son, Thad Dodson, Jacksonville; two daughters, Tammy Dodson Samz, New Bern and Tina Dodson Sbrocco, Jacksonville; four grandchildren, Kiley Samz, Sarah Dodson, Samuel Dodson and Jessie Sbrocco and five brothers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lola Dodson; one brother and one sister.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Support Fund, P.O. Box Camp Lejeune 9538, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547.
