Mr. William L. (Billy) Dotson Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, September, 16th in Canton, GA. He was born and raised in the Old Fort Section of Savannah. Billy was the first of six Dotson brothers to enter Benedictine Military School B.C. where he is in the B.C. Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco. He served at sea on the U.S.S. Karin in sonar and radar operations in the Pacific during W.W.II.
After his Honorable Discharge, he attended the University of Maryland and joined the baseball team becoming the star pitcher. He was named an all-conference pitcher and the team's M.V.P. He earned an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1953 and is in the University of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame. He played Semi-Pro baseball two more years then moved back to Savannah.
He married Ella Runette Cameron in 1958 and moved to Atlanta. They lived in Atlanta for 39 years and finally retired to Savannah. He and Renee were married for 55 years when Renee passed away on April 24, 2013.
He remained active in the Catholic Church and loved his Bible Study Group. He was a weekly servant of Perpetual Adoration at St. John the Baptist for 17 years.
He is survived by two sons William L. Dotson III of Savannah and Michael P. Dotson, (Karen) of Canton GA, five grandchildren, Michelle Wilson, William L. Dotson IV, Perri Dotson, Mary E. (Beth) Dotson and Johnathan M. Dotson (Allie).
He is also survived by six great grandchildren, Madison Dotson, Layla Dotson, Nathaniel Carter Dotson, Patrick Cleburne Dotson, Colin Campbell and Sophie Campbell.
He is also survived by his brother Tommy Dotson (Maureen).
Preceded in Death by brothers, Jimmy, Gene, Bob, Henry, and Walter, and his sisters Francis Parker and Patricia Elrod.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 22, at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. 1003 E Victory Dr, Savannah, GA 31405.Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 am until 9:45 am.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, GA