Mr. Donald Lee Dotson
Mr. Donald Lee Dotson, fondly known as “Buddy Coats,” was born March 24, 1943, in Hazlehurst to the late Willa Mae Thomas Dotson and Elias Jack Dotson Sr. He was the eighth of nine children. He attended the public schools of Jeff Davis County.
Donald Lee possessed a “green thumb” and always kept a garden that looked worthy of winning all the top awards. As a past-time, he liked to fish. However, his first love was singing! Born into a family of harmonious songsters, he utilized his gift of song to spread the gospel by providing praise, comfort, and uplift. He sang with several gospel groups in the area including The Mighty Cavaliers of Hazlehurst and The Goodwill Singers of Albion, Mich. Countless listeners have been touched by his vocals while witnessing this passionate “musical icon” throughout the country. Up until the day before his illness, along with his sister Betty and nieces, he continued to touch others with song.
Donald Lee was skilled as a cement mason and worked with Willie Kurtz Jr. Cement Finishing and Benjamin Concrete Finishing of Hazlehurst and Power Systems in Tifton, and was employed as a heating and air conditioner mechanic with McGraw Heating and Air in Albion, Mich. While in Albion he attended Bethel Baptist Church.
He was a member of Antioch CME Church in Hazlehurst.
Donald gained his wings Feb. 12 while under hospice care at George and Margaret Morris Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
He was preceded in death by brothers Joseph, Eugene, Elias, Roland, and Thomas; and sisters Evelyn and Joann.
Donald Lee leaves to cherish his loving memory sisters Mrs. Betty Lou Dotson Burney of Hazlehurst and Mrs. Lavern Mann of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; sister-in-law Evangelist Dorothy Dotson of Hazlehurst; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His funeral was Feb. 18 at Bennett Tabernacle Holiness Church with Elder Eddie Harmon, Pastor C.D. Johnson, Pastor Reuben Bennett Jr., and the Rev. Henry Josey participating. Music was provided by The Benjamin Family and Dotson-Burney Singers.
King Brothers Funeral Home was in charge.
