Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Eli Franklin "Frank" Dodson, a long-time resident of Decatur "Oakhurst Neighborhood" passed away on October 24, 2019. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2019, 1:30 P.M. at The Donald Trimble Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 8, 2019, at the mortuary, from 6-8 P.M.

Eli was a graduate of the Decatur Citizen’s Police Academy and the Decatur 101 programs. He served his community in any way that he could. He served as a C.A.P.S. (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) Volunteer for the Decatur Police Department. He also volunteered at the City of Decatur Visitor’s Center, various city events on the Decatur Square, the Decatur Recreation Center, as well as the City Welcome Desk at the Decatur Police Department. Although, Eli could not run a marathon, he always volunteered at the annual Publix Georgia Marathon, cutting and handing orange slices to the runners. Eli participated in programs at Oakhurst Elementary School, speaking to students about living with mobility challenges and leading students on walks to survey accessibility around Decatur. He also served on the Better Together Leadership Circle, a year-long, community-wide visioning process designed “to cultivate a more just, welcoming, inclusive, equitable and compassionate experience for all who live, visit or work” in Decatur. In 2015, Eli granted the honor of being named a Decatur Hometown Hero.

On top of all of his volunteer work, and being a beloved member of the Decatur community, he would roll over in his chair to help a neighbor doing yard-work or he would “walk you out” to your car after a visit to make sure you were safe. Children around the neighborhood would call out hello to “Mr. Eli” when they saw him on his front porch or passing by in his special van. Eli was a die-hard Falcons Fan. Win or Lose he loved his team.

"Eli was a bright light in our community. Simply being in his presence, seeing his smile and outlook on life was therapeutic. Let us all remember and honor Eli with what he gave to us, kindness with no limits, a sense of service to his community and a passion for life.” ~The Decatur Police Department

Eli is preceded in death by his father, Willie V. Dodson; mother, Ethel Mae Hale Dodson; two brothers, Lamar Dodson and Charlie Dodson. He is survived by three children, Marquis P. Lester (Dodson), Tamara L. Dodson, and Kelvin D. Dodson; six brothers, Eddie J. "Boolum" Dodson (Evelyn), Walter E. "Man" Dodson, Marshall W. Dodson, Mark S. Dodson, Bennie L. Dodson; five sisters, Francis R. "Beck" Bibbs, Sandra L. Johnson, Rachel L. Dodson, Deborah A. Dodson Delaney, Margarita S. "Lil Bit" Dodson; four grandchildren, Marquis, Melanie, Norman and Dakari; two aunts, Ella Francis Dodson of Atlanta, Georgia and Grace Kelly of Cleveland, Ohio; a very close and dedicated special friend, Jennifer Ross; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are asked to assemble at the mortuary at 1:00 P.M. Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc., 1876 Second Ave., Decatur, GA 30032. 404-371-0772-3.