James Everett Dody

James Everett Dody, 84, passed away on Jan. 31, 2019, at Community Springs Care Center, El Dorado Springs. He was born on June 16, 1934, in St. Clair County to Roy and Della (Fennewald) Dody.

James grew up in Taberville. He began working for the El Dorado Springs Shoe Factory in 1953 where he worked until 1979, with the exception of his military service.

He served for two years (1957-1959) stationed at Ft. Ord, CA. While there he completed his GED and was honorably discharged in 1959 achieving the rank of Private First Class. James was awarded honors for shooting and for his position as Clerk Typist.

In the fall of 1978, James and his brother Alvin opened their own business, Dody’s TV & Appliance. They served Cedar County and the surrounding areas faithfully until James retired in 1995.

James married Deanna Brewer in 1955 in Taberville. They were happily married for 63 1/2 years.

James was saved in April of 1949 and joined Bethel Baptist Church of Taberville. After the church burned in 1977, he and his family became members of the El Dorado Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He faithfully served both churches as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. He always took his responsibilities seriously and reverently.

Other than work and church, James enjoyed golf, traveling, fishing, hunting and watching Andy Griffith.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Della Dody; brother, Donald Dody; parents-in-law, James Lloyd Brewer and Ruth Norris; brother-in-law, James Brewer; nephew, Donnie Dody; and niece, Tammy Partney.

He is survived by his spouse, Deanna; daughters, Sheryl Swopes (Mike) of El Dorado Springs and Teresa Dody of Vancouver, WA; brother, Alvin Dody (Donnie Jo); sister, Mary Purtle (Ronald) of El Dorado Springs; grandchildren – Marc Morin, Nicole Coleman, Eric Swopes and Curtis Sutphin; great –grandchildren – Aidan Reeves, Ali Morin, Courtney and Austin Coleman; nieces, Debbie McGinnis, Dana Ridinger, Karen Purtle and Kim Miller; and his nephews, Kevin Dody and Darren Dody.

Services were held Monday, Feb. 4, in Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs,  with Pastor Robert Kenney officiating. Soloist Teresa Dody sang “Going Home,” “Where The Roses Never Fade” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Casketbearers were Marc Morin, Kevin Dody, Mike Swopes, Alan Collins, Darren Dody and Aaron Rieder. Honorary casketbearers were Curtis Sutphin and Chris Coleman.

Interment was in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery  under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. www.sheldonfh.com.