Donald Lee Dodrill
July 6, 1933 ~ December 25, 2024
Resided in: Rocky Mount, NC
Rocky Mount – Donald Lee Dodrill, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Born in Webster County, WV on July 6, 1933, he was the son of the late Earl Hughes Dodrill and Ocie Lulu McGraw Dodrill. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Earl “June” Dodrill.
Born and raised in West Virginia, Don graduated from Barrackville High School, received his bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State College, and his master’s from West Virginia University. Following graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served overseas in Bamberg, Germany. A lifelong devoted educator, he was a talented teacher, coach, and principal. Don’s proudest professional accomplishment was both serving and retiring as the 1st principal of North Marion High School, an endeavor which consolidated 5 other area schools. The school earned the states exemplary school status under his leadership in 1989. An avid sports enthusiast, Don enjoyed both watching and attending a variety of sporting events. As a man of great faith, he was a dedicated member of Shenandoah Baptist Church. He also served as both a Deacon and Sunday school superintendent at Bethesda Baptist Church in Barrackville, West Virginia. Additionally, he was a past Patron of Order of Eastern Star and was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge #109 in Fairmont, WV. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Don will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Don is survived by his wife of 69 years, Loretta “Sweet” Wilson Dodrill; his daughter, Dawn Jill Coniglio (Louie); his son, Jeff Dodrill (Tracy); his granddaughter, Haley Coniglio Lewis; his great granddaughters, Paige Lewis and Brooke Lewis; his brother, Hartsell G. Dodrill; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Shenandoah Baptist Church, 3894 Shenandoah Ct., Rocky Mount, NC 27803, with Rev. Glenn Hill officiating. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, 1290 Fairmont Rd, Morgantown, WV 26501 with Rev. Dr. B David Cyphers officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & 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.
Services
Funeral Service: Sunday, December 29, 2024 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Shenandoah Baptist Church
3894 Shenandoah Drive
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27803
2524465732
Visitation: Saturday, December 28, 2024 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
(252) 451-8800
Graveside Service: Monday, December 30, 2024 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens
1290 Fairmont Rd
Morgantown, WV United States
26501
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My family is here if you need anything.
On behalf of the Officers & Brothers of TBI Alumni Association and Tau Beta Iota Fraternity, I should like to extend our condolences at the passing of Brother Dodrill.
Brother Don and all TBIs who have left us during the past year will be remembered at the Memorial Service held during our annual Founders Day Program in March.
Charles T. Hillberry, Jr.
President
TBI Alumni Association
So very sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher and a privilege for me to serve in Eastern Star with all of you. We sure miss you! God Bless!
So sorry to see this. We were neighbors as I grew up in Barrackville. We attended church together at Bethesda Baptist Church. I have very fond memories of all of you.
I treasure memories I have of vacations with Don & Loretta to several States. Loved the many times we had great Fellowships with them. Loved attending SBChurch Senior Suppers with them along with other things there❤️Don will be greatly missed 🫂Hugs & Prayers for All loved ones he leaves behind 🙏
With tears in my eyes I send you my sincere condolences at the loss of Mr. Dodrill. He was not only a concerned and kind Principal, but also a dear friend who genuinely cared about our students. May God’s blessings bring you comfort and peace.
I was the fifth principal of North Marion High School. Don made the trip up to introduce himself to me. What a kind man who truly nmhs! His wife shared the same love. When I took the reins of the school, there were sum lingering sore spots from consolidation, but were one despite those. I can’t even begin to fathom the time and energy he put into bridging the communities that made nmhs. I’m forever grateful.
We share the same birthday. What a small world to think that 2 is off the 6 principals of nmhs share the same birthday.
I was the fifth principal of North Marion High School. Don made the trip up to introduce himself to me. What a kind man who truly loved nmhs! His wife shared the same love. When I took the reins of the school, there were sum lingering sore spots from consolidation, but were one despite those. I can’t even begin to fathom the time and energy he put into bridging the communities that made nmhs. I’m forever grateful.
I was the fifth principal of North Marion High School. Don made the trip up to introduce himself to me. What a kind man who truly nmhs! His wife shared the same love. When I took the reins of the school, there were some lingering sore spots from consolidation, but we were very much one despite those. I can’t even begin to fathom the time and energy he put into bridging the communities that made nmhs. I’m forever grateful.