Clifford Dozier Sr.'s Obituary
Sergeant First Class Clifford Dozier Sr., 91, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully at his Daleville, Alabama home surrounded by his children and grandchildren on Friday, November 10, 2023. He was born on May 27, 1932, and was the last living child of Lee and Willie Mae Dozier. Clifford accepted Christ at a young age and lived his life freely in Christ. Clifford will be remembered as a proud and valiant soldier that provided 23 years of dedicated service in the United States Army during a time where racism was in full effect. Throughout his years of service, he received a number of awards and medals: National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC), Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations Service Medal, United Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Good Conduct Medal (6), Army Commendation Medal (2d OLC), Bronze Star Medal (2d OLC), Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, and Driver Mechanic Badge. Clifford bravely served three tours of duty in Korea (1) and Vietnam (2); rose to the rank of E7, Sergeant First Class, and after retiring in 1972 with an honorable character of service, maintained lifelong friendships with so many soldiers he served alongside during his career. He attributed his work ethic and some of his most valuable life lessons to his years in the Army. Clifford instilled those lessons in his children and grandchildren. To the very end he was a man of honor, duty, and service. He was truly a man of action over words. He loved his family dearly and showed it. He was a man that long defied the process of aging. He rode motorcycles well into his 80s and played pool daily into his 90s. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Willie Mae Dozier; his 16 siblings, Mammie, Leola, Daisy (Glover) Jackson, Lowery, Joseph, Maggie (Kaye) Williams, Reaver (Robert) Pasley, Matthew (Mary), Henry Ford (Annie), Eddie James (Addie), Willie Marion (Zella), Eugene (Winifred), John (Johnette), Barbara (Charles) Marsh, Lee (Gloria), and Mary Lou (Hardy) Knowles; daughter, Audrey Watts; grandchild, Demetrius Watts; and great-grandchild, Landyn Glover. Left to cherish wonderful memories are his wife, Genell; daughters, Lysandra Dozier Kilow, Jamal (Randy) Greene, April Howell, and Freda Smith; sons, Clifford (Tonita) Dozier, Jr., Carson (Rosaline) Dozier, Clark (Laura) Watts, and Corey (Sarah) Martin; grandchildren, Jasmyne Kilow, Janiya Kilow, Jeron Kilow, Jessica Dozier, Dezon Dozier, Elisha Watts, Earl (Wendy) Watts, LeeAsia Sutton, Lisa Watts, Aidan Dozier, Damaris Dozier, Jalen Dozier, Tiana Bowling, Brandon (Nova) Harper, Jeremy Harper, Bret Daywalt, Courtney Smith, Shianne Martin, Kori Martin, Latyana Martin, Kahenti Martin, Brooklynn Martin, Brealynn Martin, Victoria Martin, and Kennadie Martin; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws, Gloria Dozier, and Johnette Dozier; special nieces and nephews, Aileen Marsh, Marcia (Donald) McGraw, Daryl Dozier, Charles Marsh, and Kendall (Leoni) Marsh; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; devoted friend, Walter (Rena) Taylor; Godchildren, TorRessa (Richard) Osborne, Michelle Thompson, Diane (James) Ivery, Jacquelyn Griffin Melissa Jones-Wolfe, Derek (Latara) McGhee, Michael Clark, Frederick Richards, Karl Van Skiver, Richard Riley, and Bretford James Griffin, II. Clifford will lie-in-state on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 11-12 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Brother John R. Taylor, Sr. giving words of comfort.
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