Ray Dotson

Ray Andrew Dotson (known as PoPo) died at the age of 91, Tuesday, 10/22/2013, at his home after a sudden illness surrounded by his family. Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma and growing up during some very lean times and the depression along with many others. If you were lucky enough to find work, it usually paid $.25 per hour and $.50 if you were really fortunate. After many moves from Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico & Arizona, in 1943 he and his wife Faye made a final move to Watsonville. Not long after this he was drafted into the Army, serving at Fort Lewis, Washington until 1946.
Ray wore many hats through his lifetime learning carpentry in midlife and retired from this occupation in 1977. His most prestigious occupation though was in becoming a Minister. He served the House of Prayer in Corralitos for 35 years before retiring from full time ministry, but never gave it up completely. One of his greatest past time was handing out bibles to whomever he could strike up a conversation with and loved to spread the Word of God. Another passion was playing dominoes with his late sister Pearl and playing his guitar and singing if anyone wanted to listen. His last performance was just a couple of weeks ago while attending a church service. Wherever he went you could spot him with one of his cowboy hats on and almost always a tie of which he collected over 100 in recent years.
Ray was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. There was nothing he loved more than to visit or keep in touch with loved ones and friends. The local Fair was a favorite event where he would go every day to watch his grand-daughter & great grand-daughter in horse shows & see their 4H livestock& auction. Everyone called him PoPo and if you became a fiend he asked that you call him PoPo as well.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Faye Dotson, of 60 years in 2002 and his son Benny Dotson in 1971. He is survived by his two sons, Leonard Dotson (Susan), Paul Dotson (Betty) of Red Bluff, daughters, Rosa Perkins and Naomi Manger (Robert). Nine grandkids, Kathy Dotson (Konrad) Christina Rodriguez (Art Rodriguez), Traycee Alane, Walter Middleton (Pam) of Placencia, Rose Marie Juarez (Rubin), Jason Rusler (Tina), Jeffrey Dotson, Matthew Dotson (Megan), Christopher Dotson (ZoAnne), nine great grandkids and one great great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pajaro Rescue Mission; 111 Railroad Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11:00am at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel; 609 Main Street, Watsonville CA with burial to follow at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park; 127 Hecker Pass Road.