William Dodson

William Patrick “Pat” Dodson, 72, of Uvalde passed away on January 19th, 2021 at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio with Mary, his loving wife of fifty years, by his side.

He was born in Uvalde, Texas on April 16, 1948 to Katherine Lucille (Robinson) Dodson and John Morse Dodson. His Uvalde County lineage traces back to his great-great-grandfather, famed Indian-fighter Henry M. Robinson whose historical marker currently stands near Chalk Bluff in his honor.

He grew up on his family’s farm and ranch in Sabinal, Texas and graduated from Sabinal High School in 1966. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University in 1970. He married Mary Holly Grizzaffi, on May 24th, 1971 in Dallas, Texas while continuing his education to become a certified public accountant and graduating from St. Mary’s Law School in 1974. He then went further on to receive a master’s degree from the New York University School of Law Tax Program, after which he returned to practice in his hometown and had a successful law office for over forty years.

Throughout his life as a resident of Uvalde County he gave back to his community with service to a variety of organizations including: Serving with distinction as chair of the Uvalde County Democratic party for nearly 40 years from 1976 until he retired in 2015; Member of the Sabinal ISD School Board from 1981 to 1990 and held the offices of president, vice-president, and secretary; President of the Uvalde Youth Rodeo Association; President of the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Board of Directors of the John Nance Garner Museum; 32nd Degree Mason and member of the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio, as well as Past Master of the Sabinal Lodge No. 943; In 1997 he was named an Admiral of the Texas Navy; and in 2017 was recognized by the Texas State House of Representatives with a resolution for ‘outstanding example of civic engagement.’

He will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him for his discerning and wise nature coupled with a hard work ethic, which was reflected in all he did in both his personal and public life.  When he wasn’t working at the office, he enjoyed spending time outdoors at the family ranch.

He is survived by his wife along with three children of which he was extremely proud and eight grandchildren who were equally loved and cherished: son, John Dodson and wife, Kyla, of Uvalde; daughter, Jody Upham and husband, Casey, of Ozona, Texas; son, Will Dodson of Montgomery, Texas; Grandchildren, Reece, Rylee, Molly, and Kymber Dodson of Uvalde; Audrey and Grace Upham of Ozona; Emmie and J. Dodson of Montgomery.

He is also survived by two sisters, Judy Neumayer of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and Katie Yaklin and husband Jimmy of Portland, Texas, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents, an infant sister, Alice, and brother, John Michael Dodson.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, January 23 at the Concan Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the West Texas Boys Ranch at www.wtbr.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org.