MANTACHIE - Larry Bennett Dodson, 82, passed away suddenly at his home on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. He was born May 2, 1943, in Itawamba County to Troy Alton Thornton and Lula Verda Dodson. He worked as a forklift operator for Sylvania in Chicago, Illinois, for eight years, Malone and Hyde in Tupelo for 20 years until they closed in 1995, and then at Leggett and Platt for 16 years before retiring. He was a member of Centerville Baptist Church. A sports enthusiast most all his life, Larry enjoyed bowling, softball, and fishing in his younger years. He enjoyed reading in his later years. Larry was a people-person who enjoyed fellowship with his friends. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed being active in his children and grandchildren's lives.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Greg Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Stephens Cemetery.

Larry is survived by his son, Larry Dodson, Jr. (Wanda), and daughter Deborah Rose (Thomas), all of Mantachie; his grandchildren, Tyler Smith, Ashley Dodson, and Jordan Rose; and great-grandchildren, Annabelle Smith, John Taylor Rose, and Jaiden Kai Rose.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Martha Jo Dodson, on January 13, 2015; his father, Troy A. Thornton, who died in France while serving his country in World War II, his mother, Lula Verda Frazier, and stepfather, Charles Roy Frazier, Sr.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 19, and from 1 p.m. until service time Friday at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.

Condolences may be shared with Larry's family at www.mcneecemorrisfuneralhome.com .