Former Standard reporter, Chuck Dodson, dies at 84

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

DODSON

Longtime Southern Standard associate editor, reporter and photographer Chuck Dodson passed away Friday after a distinguished career in the military and journalism.

Dodson, 84, was a native of Eastland, Tenn. He was retired as a U.S. Army sergeant first class in the 28th Field Artillery, 8th Infantry Division. He was involved in military media, was editor of the Manchester Times, the Crossville Chronicle, the Sparta Expositor, editor of the Warren County Tribune, associate editor of the Standard as well as associate editor of the Warren County News.

Dodson was known locally for his work with the Standard, where he covered the crime beat for several years. Upon his retirement, he left an etching on his desk that said, “Chuck Dodson used this desk for 21 years.”

Former Standard editor Rayford Davis said Dodson was respected in his field.

“I was editor from 1955 to 1978 and during that time, had numerous people who came in to work with me,” Davis said. “Of all of them who came here, he was the best I ever had.”

Dodson was also known as a founding member and actor for the Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in McMinnville. He was an active member and a high priest of the church in Hixson. For complete obituary information on Mr. Dodson, see Obituaries.