Retired MSGT. Lester H. "Hank" Dodson, Jr. of Garden Lake Dr., Carrollton, Georgia passed away Thursday, October 15, 2009. He was born February 5, 1930 in Knox County, TN., the son of the late Mildred Johnson Dodson and Lester H. Dodson, Sr. Mr. Dodson retired from the USMC after 22 years of service where he was a machine gunner, Infantry Unit Leader during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He went to Military Police school and became Chief Investigator. During his career in the military he received many awards such as the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Meritorious Mast. After his military career, Mr. Dodson went back to college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he received his B.S. in Criminal Justice and was an avid UT sports fan. He later became an umpire for West Georgia Recreation Center until his illness. Besides his parents, Mr. Dodson was preceded in death by an infant son. Survivors include his wife, Martha Archer Dodson of Carrollton; sons and daughters in law, Tyler Dodson of Carrollton, Charles & Glenda Dodson, Richard & Cathy Dodson all of Knoxville, TN.; stepchildren and spouses, Steve & Stephane Shorter of Roopville, John Shorter of Atlanta, Ga., Charles & Sherry Shorter of Villa Rica, Cindy Shorter of Canton, Ga.; sisters and brothers in law, Terry & Pat Piper of Acworth, Ga., Mary & Leroy Wilbourn of Lenior City, TN., Jeanne & Carl Ferrill of Knoxville, TN; 5 granchildren and several great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. As per Mr. Dodson's wishes, the body was cremated. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 3 PM from Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel with Rev. Buddy Gentry officiating. Mr. Dodson's remains will be taken back to Knoxville National Cemetery for a full military honors service on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 1 PM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2 PM until the funeral hour. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tanner Hospice, PO Box 1136, Carrollton, Ga., 30117. The family would like to give special thanks to Tanner Hospice for their loving care and support. Also to Tanner Medical Center and Dr. J. Jellicorse, who was not only his doctor but his, friend. Messages of condolences may be sent to the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel of Carrollton has charge of the arrangements.