James “Jimmy” Bernard Dodson, age 84, husband of Noma Jean Walters Dodson, and a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his residence.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Derek Norton and Sammy Walters officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Santa Fe Cemetery. A visitation will also be held on Sunday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on October 5, 1941, in Columbia, Tennessee, Jimmy was the son of the late Bernard Eugene Dodson and the late Ruth Walters Dodson. He was a graduate of Columbia Military Academy and later attended Middle Tennessee State University. On July 27, 1960, he married the love of his life, Noma Jean Walters. Jimmy was a hardworking and dedicated businessman, known for owning and operating Dodson’s Grocery & Deli as well as Dodson’s Carpet. His generosity was evident in the many ways he served others, consistently offering food, charitable support, and financial assistance to anyone in need. Jimmy attended Mt. Wesley Akin Nazarene Church where he was known as the “candy man.”
Jimmy loved music and never passed up the chance to dance. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and pool, and in his younger years, he was scuba diver and wrestler.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James Allen Dodson, Anthony Troy Dodson, Mark Hensley Dodson, Gina Marie Beard, Tina Renee (Bryan Stephen) Butler, sisters, Jean Ann Layne, Judy (Ross) Orr, sister in law, Shirley Hanback, grandchildren, Destiny Danielle (Brandon) Jones, Heather McMillan, Brandon Troy (Julie) Dodson, Mathew Bracken (Destin) Dodson, Darian James (Katie Boshers) Harvey, Haiden Clara Jean (Ben Andrews) Harvey, Devin Blake (Savannah Edwards) Webb, Madison Faith (Austin Vickers) Butler, Molly Grace Butler, several great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Dodson, brothers in law, Jerry Walters, Kenneth Walters, Earl Layne, and son in law, Mike Beard.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Darian Harvey, Devin Webb, Bracken Dodson, Brandon Dodson, Ben Andrews, and Austin Vickers. Honorary pallbearers will include the members of Mt. Wesley Akin Nazarene Church, Darin Kennedy, and Larry Hubbell.
