Richard Lamont Dotson, Sr.

Richard Lamont Dotson Sr. was born on December 3, 1952, in Detroit, MI. He passed away peacefully at his home in Louisville, KY on November 30, 2024, at the age of 71. Richard grew up in Evanston, Illinois and graduated from Evanston Township High School, class of 1970. He served in the Army from April 1972 to January 1973.

Richard resided in Evanston, IL most of his life where he forged relationships through his passion for music, willingness to help anyone in need of handyman work, love for God, and various jobs throughout the community. He also shared a special relationship (affectionately known as “PaPa”) with Celestine, Yolanda, Anita, Latisa, Lastasha, Demetris and Keemoroa.

Richard’s ministry was delivering encouraging words, a smile, and lending a helping hand to anyone in need. Throughout his own journey to recovery, he assisted countless people to do the same in multiple organizations including the Salvation Army, Pacific Garden Mission, and the Healing Place. He relocated to Kentucky in 2018. During the latter years of his life Richard prided himself as a groundskeeper at Clear Creek golf course, a member of Fairdale Christian Church, and a foundational resident at Beecher Terrace Senior apartments. He spent his recovery enjoying fishing with his son Richard, playing his bass guitar and spending time with family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Dotson, Dorothy Navy Dotson and Marcy Wilson; and two brothers, Larry Dotson and Douglas Wilson.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Alicia Henderson of Evanston, IL; son, Richard (Ruqaiyah) Dotson II of Shelbyville; siblings Marcia Wilson of Chicago, IL, Kenneth (Rachelle) Navy-Dotson of Knoxville, TN, Sheila Wilson of Chicago, IL, David (Sandy) Dotson of Skokie, IL and Joanne (Kevin) Dotson-Kennedy of Sacramento, CA; five grandchildren, Cheyenne Jordan, Chelsea Jordan, Maya Dotson, Richard Dotson III and Cecily Jordan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Visitation will be Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:30pm at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40243.  A celebration of Richard's life will follow at 1:30pm.

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