Rev. N.N.  Dotson

Obituary of Rev. N.N. Jennings Dotson

Rev. N.N. Jennings “Bud” Dotson, age 76, went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2019 at his home in Kingsport, Tennessee following a 25+ year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Nade and Rosa Mae Dotson on April 14, 1943 in Dickenson County, Virginia.  After graduating from the American College of Life Underwriters, he would become a district manager with People’s Life Insurance Company, Washington, D.C.

While in the nation’s capital, Jennings met his wife, Ruth, at the introduction of their mutual friends.  They were soon married on December 26, 1963, and began their lives together. Before retiring to Kingsport, Jennings and Ruth made their home in Alexandria, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Church Road, and Bristol, Virginia.      

Although Jennings was raised in church, it was not until the winter of 1965 that he put his faith in Christ and was baptized along with his wife.  He was called to preach the gospel in 1973, and bi-vocationally pastored several churches: Chestnut Hill Free Will Baptist Church (Big Island, VA), Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church (Petersburg, VA), Cornerstone Free Will Baptist Church (Bristol, TN), and Genesis Free Will Baptist Church (Kingsport, TN). 

Preacher Dotson loved southern gospel music, especially by such greats as J.D. Sumner & the Stamps.  It was that love that led him to become the owner/operator of Sunshine Broadcasters Inc./WBCV Christian Radio in Bristol, as well as the host of two syndicated programs: Gospel Gold and Harvest Time.

Dotson involved himself in community, coaching youth league sports, participating in the Virginia High School Band Boosters, and serving as the chairman of the board for the Duffield, VA-based Harvest Child Care Ministries for nearly 30 years.

Many only knew Dotson by his radio voice, but those who knew him best describe Jennings as a true blessing, a godly Christian, and a strong general in God’s army. Even during his own illness, he demonstrated compassion for others by visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and by phone.  His sons recount his strong work ethic and love for Christ’s church as an example for their own ministries. 

Rev. Dotson is survived by his two sons, Deacon Newl Dotson of Kingsport and Pastor Chris (Rebecca) Dotson of Morristown.  He had four grandchildren, 1LT Philip (Molly) Dotson of Vilseck, Germany, Deputy Andrew (Erika) Dotson of Jefferson County, TN, Tommy (Sarah) Dotson of Kingsport, and Edan Dotson of the home; three foster grandchildren, Scott Wagner, Shane (Sierra) Perry, and Adam Perry, all of Kingsport; and several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Versie Mullins of Clintwood, VA, and Ann Baird of Watseka, IL, and sister-in-law Loretta (Jim) Harvey of Bluefield, WV, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews, and church family.    

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ola Beavers Dotson; parents, Nade and Rosa Mae Dotson; and his sister, Mabel Lynch.

A special thanks to Becky Hilliard, one of Dotson’s converts, who provided his care for eight years.

The family will receive friends at Genesis Free Will Baptist Church, 1044 New Beason Well Road, Kingsport, on Friday, December 13, from 11 AM to 1 PM.  A service to celebrate Rev. Dotson’s Christian faith will be held at 1 PM with his sons officiating.  Pastors Jackie Cole and Josh Farley will conduct the interment, which will follow at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, VA.  His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. 

Those preferring to make a memorial gift may donate to Harvest Child Care Ministries, Duffield, VA 24244-0259.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Downtown Kingsport is serving the Dotson Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. N.N. Dotson , please visit Tribute Store
Friday
13
December

Receiving of Friends

11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Friday, December 13, 2019
Genesis Freewill Baptist Church
1044 New Beason Well Rd
Kingsport , Tennessee, United States
Friday
13
December

Funeral Service

1:00 pm
Friday, December 13, 2019
Genesis Freewill Baptist Church
1044 New Beason Well Rd
Kingsport , Tennessee, United States
Friday
13
December

Graveside Service

2:00 pm
Friday, December 13, 2019
Holston View Cemetery
1383 US-23
Weber City, Virginia, United States