Ray Dotson: Veteran of the Month | November 2025

Born and raised in Alton, Missouri, Ray grew up in humble beginnings during a time when hard work and family were central to daily life. “He was born at home and grew up with oil lamps and wood stoves — no electricity,” Jodi shared. “They farmed, raised hogs and sheep, sold corn, milo, milk, and cream, and went to church every Sunday in a horse-drawn wagon.”

Ray was one of seven children, the second youngest of four sisters and three brothers. After completing the eighth grade, he left school to help his father, who had lost a leg, keep the family farm running. His brothers joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, and Ray took on the responsibility of farming full-time. Like many young men of his generation, when duty called, he answered.

 

In July 1944, Ray was drafted and chose to serve in the United States Navy. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station and quickly learned, as he later reflected, that “the main thing was to learn to take orders and do what you are told.”

 

Assigned to the USS Clemson (DD-186), an amphibious destroyer operating in the Pacific, Ray served as a Fireman, responsible for firing the ship’s boilers. His service took him across the South Pacific, including campaigns in Peleliu, Leyte, Luzon, and Okinawa, where he witnessed firsthand the realities and sacrifices of war. When World War II ended, the USS Clemson was reassigned as a transport vessel, bringing troops home from overseas.

 

For his service, Ray received several commendations, including the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck).

When Ray returned home in 1946, his life took a beautiful turn. Just one month after returning, he met the woman who would become his wife in a story straight out of a movie. “Grandpa saw my grandma walking with another man and told her he was going to marry her,” Jodi recalled with a smile. “They got in the car together, and three weeks later — on May 30, 1946 — they were married. They stayed that way for almost 73 years. It must have been love at first sight.”

 

The couple built a life rooted in faith, family, and community. Together, they raised four children — three daughters and one son — and were later blessed with 14 grandchildren, as well as many great- and great-great-grandchildren.

 

Ray worked a variety of jobs before finding his calling in carpentry. He owned Dotson Construction, one of the first union residential construction firms in St. Charles County, and was a proud member of Local #1987. He retired in 1988 after decades of hard, honest work.

His commitment to family extended beyond the home — he started the first girls’ softball league in St. Charles so that his daughters, Carol and Judy, could play. “He loved God, his family, and his country,” Jodi said. “He never took life for granted.”

Outside of work, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. He and his wife bowled in leagues together and filled their home with laughter, faith, and love.

Though Ray seldom spoke about his wartime experiences, his family knew that the memories stayed with him. “My grandma told us he had bad dreams his whole life,” Jodi shared. “He didn’t talk about it until we were older.”

One of the most meaningful moments for Ray came decades later, when he was selected to participate in an Honor Flight on July 2, 2013. “He was so honored to be part of it,” Jodi said. “It was one of his proudest memories.”

 

For Jodi, revisiting her grandfather’s story through his recorded interview was deeply emotional. “Hearing his voice made me cry — I hadn’t heard it in years,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the experience because I learned so many things about him that I didn’t know. It made me appreciate his life and service even more.”

Ray Dotson’s story is one of faith, resilience, and devotion — to his family, his community, and his country. His legacy lives on through the generations he inspired and the values he embodied every day.

 

Veterans Care Coordination is proud to honor Fireman Ray Dotson, United States Navy, World War II, as our November 2025 Veteran of the Month.

 

If you would like to hear his story in his own words, here is the recorded interview from the Library of Congress, Ray Dotson Collection, dated January 24, 2013.