Funeral service for Gary Don Dotson, age 71, of Hillsboro will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scottie Hill officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Penny Cemetery. Guestbook available at www.parkwayfh.com.
Gary Don Dotson was born in Hillsboro on September 28, 1954, to J.B. and Margaret Dotson. He passed away peacefully at his home on The Ponderosa on May 7, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Brenda K. Dotson; his son, Jason Dotson; and his parents, J.B. and Margaret Dotson.
He is survived by his children, son, Gary Dotson (Christi) and daughters, Stacy Hagood and Kimberly Waters (Alex); grandchildren, Christian Smith (Logan), Jackson Thompson, Max Thompson, Braxton Boyles (Jaci), Hannah Boyles, Joseph Dotson, Axel Jetton, and Brendalyn Waters; two great-grandchildren, Braylon and Scarlett Smith; sister, Jody Rhodes (Phillip); and brother, Marty Dotson (Resha).
Legally, he was Gary. Some knew him as Donnie, and back in the day he was known as “Gappy” — thanks to Uncle Frank and a memorable haircut mishap. But his favorite titles were Daddy and Pawpaw.
Over his lifetime, Mr. Dotson worked as a truck driver, farmer, and construction worker. He was a fast-walking, Jerry-rigging, toggle-switch-loving jokester who could make anyone laugh. If your belly didn’t hurt by the end of a visit, something just wasn’t right. He was known for many sayings, from “Yee yee yee” after we got in trouble, to “Pick ‘em up” when we stomped our feet, and everyone’s favorite: “Main thing is, don’t get excited.”
Pallbearers will be Danny Dotson, James Hannay, Braxton Boyles, Dallas Proctor, Willie Hill and John Hill.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Clearview Cancer Institute, the ENT office of Dr. Nassif, and especially the nurses at Hospice of the Valley. Your sweet and loving care for our Daddy will never be forgotten.
