John Dorsey Dodgen, known to family and friends simply as Dorsey, was born January 25, 1931. A lifelong Georgian with deep roots in Cobb County and the Marietta community, Dorsey lived a life distinguished by his devotion to family, education, service, faith, engineering, and his many lifelong interests.
Dorsey was the son of Roy Nathaniel Dodgen and Cleo Mabry Dodgen. His father, Roy, is remembered in the Marietta community through Dodgen Middle School, which was named in his honor. Dorsey grew up on a large family farm, where he developed an appreciation for family, hard work, and the traditions of the community that remained important to him throughout his life.
Dorsey attended Mt. View Elementary School and graduated from Marietta High School. His natural curiosity and aptitude for engineering led him to Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He continued his education at Georgia State College, earning a Master’s Degree in Finance.
Dorsey went on to build a distinguished career as an engineering consultant, working extensively in the aircraft and airplane-building industry. His expertise was sought on numerous airplane-building projects, and he took great pride in his work as an engineer.
Service to his country was another important chapter of Dorsey's life. He served two years in the United States Army, where he also played baseball and basketball. Baseball remained a lifelong love. Dorsey played first base for the Mabry Brothers Team and followed the sport enthusiastically throughout his life, with a particular affection for the Atlanta Braves and their playoff and World Series runs.
Dorsey had a wide range of interests and was always eager to share what he knew. He enjoyed shooting his Remington .22 rifle and participating in shooting matches. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and maintained a strong interest in history and his Southern heritage. He was also a member of the Lockheed Flying Club, often flying a J-3 Cub for fun with family and friends.
His faith was an important part of his life. Dorsey taught a teenage Sunday school class, sharing his knowledge, values, and life experiences with them.
Dorsey was also active in civic and political affairs. A longtime conservative Republican, he served as a delegate to several Republican National Conventions including the 1964 Goldwater convention in Miami.
His lifelong love of learning was reflected in his membership in Mensa, the international high-IQ society. Dorsey's intelligence and curiosity were evident in the many subjects he pursued and the wide-ranging conversations he enjoyed.

Above all, Dorsey was a family man. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Ollie Mabry Dodgen, Robert Marion Dodgen, Charles Head Dodgen, brother-in-law, Roberts Allen Meadows, and nephew, Robert Dodgen. He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Dodgen Meadows, nephew, Dr. Wayne (Becky) Dodgen, niece, Dr. Diane Dodgen, and nephews, Dr. Allen (Charlotte) Meadows, Steve (Michelle/Belle) Meadow, Brant (Cindy) Meadows.
Dodgen Meadows, Daniel (Rayna) Meadows, Melanie Beth (Brent) Gilbert, Stephanie (Aaron) Miller, Michael (Kelsey) Meadows, Judson Meadows and Caroline Meadows; Amy, Charles, Delilah and Remington Dodgen are among his beloved great nieces and great nephews.
Dorsey also treasured his friendships. He maintained lifelong bonds with those who shared his interests and experiences—from baseball and shooting to family celebrations and life's everyday moments. His friendships were marked by loyalty, humor, and a genuine affection for the people he cared about.
Dorsey Dodgen leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, education, service, faith, engineering, friendship, and an enduring curiosity about the world around him. From his childhood on a Cobb County farm to his career in aeronautical engineering and his many years of involvement in his community, Dorsey lived a full and distinctive life and many referred to him as the ultimate Southern Gentleman.
He will be remembered and deeply missed by his sister Carolyn, his nieces and nephews, his extended family, and the many friends whose lives he touched.
John Dorsey Dodgen—known to everyone simply as Dorsey—will be remembered for the life he lived, the knowledge he shared, and the people he loved

Funeral Services will be held in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Holly Springs Cemetery in Marietta. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 12:00pm at the funeral home on the day of the service. 

Marietta Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Dorsey Dodgen.