Lt. Col (ret.) Walter Oneal Dodd, age 89, of Rome, GA, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at a local hospital.

                Mr. Dodd was born in Plainville, GA, on June 24, 1934, son of the late Oren Oneal Dodd and the late Era Goswick Dodd.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ruth Frazier Dodd, his sister, Norma Dodd Davis, and by a niece, Naomi Theresa Davis Weaver.  Mr. Dodd was a graduate of Model High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Georgia Tech where he played football for all 4 years under coach Bobby Dodd (no relation) and was part of teams that played in the Sugar Bowl and the Gator Bowl.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served over 20 years as a pilot and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He flew everything from B-52’s to OV-10’s, if it had wings and an engine, he could fly it.  After his retirement he operated Waldo’s Flying Service out of Russell Field Airport and taught flying with the Civil Air Patrol of Rome.  Mr. Dodd loved flying, golfing, eating and had even begun woodworking.  He loved his family and would do anything for his grandchildren.  He was a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church.

                Survivors include his 2 children, Cynthia Ann Dodd Leonard (Ronald), Rome, and Lance Allan Dodd (Victoria), Rome; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Ann Sanchez (Victor), Rome, Julia Christine Hammond (Daniel), Rome, Angela Michelle Mohnkern (Andy), Conway, AR, Walter Oneal Dodd, II (Tina), Crossville, TN, Nathan Oneal Dodd, Shreveport, LA, Michelle Frances Chartier (Tommy Anderson), Bossier, LA, and Stephanie Wilkes (Michael), Monroe, LA; numerous great-grandchildren, both local and across the U.S.; his niece and nephew, Timothy Oneal Davis and Era “Missy” Shiffer.

                A graveside service will be held at 12noon on Saturday, September 9, 2023, in Rush Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Galloway officiating.  The American Legion Post #5 Honor Guard will present military rites.

                The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service from 1pm until 3pm in the Fellowship Hall of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church.

                In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Rush Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 1225 Rush Chapel Rd. NE, Rome, GA  30161.

                Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, has charge of funeral arrangements.