Anthony Dodson

Anthony “Tony” Ray Dodson, of Groom, TX, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 3rd,

2023, at 64.

Tony’s service will be held on Saturday March 11th, 2023 at 10 o’clock in the morning. Location

of the service will be at the First Baptist Church in Groom, Texas.

Tony was born in October of 1958 in Pontotoc, Mississippi to Bobby and Glenda F. Dodson. He
had a younger brother, Scott Dodson. Tony graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1976 and
attended Mississippi State University where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Education.
During this time, he worked at Paterson Flooring company, where he met his future bride, Linda
“Darlene” Wilson. He married his wife in December of 1986, and two short years later, the first
son, Aaron, was born. Tony loaded up his family and moved them to Texas in 2003 to further
his teaching and coaching career. The first stop was Motley County, Texas, but they still had
more moves ahead as well as raising three children, before they would land in Groom, Texas in

2012.

While in Groom, Tony was a teacher, coach, mentor, principal and much more. He had a
profound influence and connection with everyone he met. His kids at school loved and
respected him; each and every one felt special and loved, no matter what. Teachers and
parents alike trusted and adored “Grumpy”. Tony was an avid sports fan, whether local or
college. Everyone who met him, knew that he was a huge Mississippi State fan. His players
would often tease him by saying “Roll Tide” at any time in the day. At any Groom game, you
could find him standing on the sidelines, yelling at the referees or advising the head coach on

the best play.

He valued his family and put them above all else. When his wife was sick, he did everything in
his power to get her the best treatment. When his kids had homework problems, he was right
there with them, guiding and showing them how to find the answer, but never giving the answer
away. He instilled his love of family into his kids as well as honesty, communication, and
compassion. When his grandson Austin was born, he took every chance he got to spend time

with him and impart his wisdom as much as he could.

Tony is preceded in death by his father, Bobby S. Dodson and his mother Glenda F. Dodson,

his grandparents Howard and Carrie Flaharety.

Tony is survived by his wife Darlene Dodson, son, son’s fiancee and grandson Aaron, Lena and
Austin of Sherman, TX, son Alec of Pampa, TX, and daughter Bradie of Amarillo, TX. He is also
survived by his brother Scott and wife Jennifer Dodson of Pontotoc, MS, as well as his nephew,

nieces, several cousins, and many beloved friends from Pontotoc.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Groom School, the First Baptist Church of

Groom or Meredith Place, located in Pampa, Texas.