Franklin “Raymond” Dorsett
September 14, 1931 ~ December 15, 2016
ROCKY MOUNT - Franklin "Raymond" Dorsett, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Born on September 14, 1931, to the late Franklin R. Dorsett, Sr. and Elsie Thames Dorsett, he was a lifelong Rocky Mount resident. He graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High and attended East Carolina University.
Raymond retired from CSX Transportation in 1989 and began his second career shortly thereafter as the "Assistant to the Assistant to the Assistant Tennis Pro" at Benvenue Country Club. He rarely passed up an opportunity to hit the dance floor, the tennis court or to cheer on his favorite Rocky Mount high school team. Yet, it was people that truly moved his soul. Nothing else ever held the precious places in Raymond's heart that his family, friends and his beloved hometown occupied (with the exception of coconut cake). To have loved him and to have been loved by him are two of the greatest privileges our lives will ever know.
Raymond was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and love of his life, his wife, Anne Blunt Dorsett, his three sisters, Frances Griffin, Elsie Jane Dozier (Richard), and Ann Brown (Jimmy) as well as brother and sister-in-law, David Rose and Joyce Blunt Rose and nephew, Larry Brown.
Raymond leaves behind his biggest fans: his daughter, Jo Dorsett Lea and husband, Philip, of Rocky Mount, and his granddaughters, Anna Lea Moore (Joe) of Raleigh, and Katherine Lea Womble (Robert) of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his favorite neighbor and brother-in-law, Milton Griffin as well as ten nieces and nephews: Bob Brown, Sheila Varnell, Karen Bottoms, Syd Griffin, Dick Dozier, Robert Dozier, David Dozier, David Rose, Bill Rose and Danny Rose.
The family is deeply grateful for the 42 years of friendship and care Raymond received from Dr. Timothy C. Smith and family as well as for the kindness shown by Dr. Siddharth Shah and the North Carolina Heart and Vascular team at Rex Hospital.
A Celebration of Raymond's Life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Harrison Family YMCA, please specify "Heart Health", PO Box 4063, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 12/16, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount)
200 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 12/17, 11:00 am
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I’ve known Raymond for many years and always admired his dancing talent–way back when—-and then had the privilege of being courted by him for several months–I felt like a teenager again; Thanks for the memories!! He was a wonderful person!! Shirley Stone Harris
We have only lived in Rocky Mount a little over eight years, but we had the great pleasure to be able to play tennis with Raymond at Benvenue Country Club in Rocky Mount, NC. He was always a smiling face and a great help around the tennis courts, on top of being a very good player! He was indeed a fine man, and my husband and I will both miss him. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Greg and Karen Hampton
Raymond will definitely be missed! I enjoyed every second with Raymond as I had the privilege of not only knowing Raymond but working along side of him for several years at BCC. Raymond was the highlight of the tennis shop and his spirit was evident with every person that he came into contact with. Whether it was on the tennis court, playing ping pong, or the thirty minute conversations concerning whats for lunch he always made it entertaining to say the least. Thanks for the memories Raymond, you will be missed by all. Kevin Brice
Jo, you are and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a true gentleman and friend to many. It was a privilege to have known him. Teresa and Al Bullard
My condolences to the Lea family. Raymond was a true gentlemen and someone I always looked forward to seeing at BCC. On many occasions I would sit with him and ask him questions about growing up in Rocky Mount when he was a child and he would always oblige me with a story or two. He was a wonderful man who lived a wonderful, happy, and fulfilling life and he will be deeply missed.
What a helpful, giving, and loving gentleman that I was blessed to have work along side for 15 years. He made Benvenue CC tennis shop a place that people look forward to visiting. You will be missed! Grateful to have spent the time I did with Raymond, the best assistant, to the assistant, there will ever be! My condolences to Jo, Anna, Catherine, and Phillip.
Just seeing that Raymond has gone on to join his beautiful wife and Jesus. We both worked with him at CSX and considered him a dear friend. We will miss him and our prayers will be with you at this time………. Al and Sandra Wester