William Henry Dozier

William Henry "Red" Dozier Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully went to be with the Lord on August 20, 2026. Born on February 5, 1947, in Princess Anne County, now known as Virginia Beach, Virginia. William was the cherished son of the late Nicodemus and Mollie Diggs Dozier. He was a man of great character, known for his quick wit, warm smile, and unwavering devotion to his family and faith. Educated at Union Kempsville High School, William stood out not just for his impressive 6'2" stature, but also for his athletic prowess. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and football, setting a foundation of discipline and teamwork that would later define his approach to life. Throughout his life, William worked in various fields, showcasing an incredible range of skills and a steadfast work ethic. From landscaping to long-haul driving, from working as a mechanic to serving as a septic tank engineer, he embraced each role with dedication and pride. Those in Virginia Beach may fondly remember him riding his blue tractor with his baseball cap on backwards, a testament to his hands-on approach to life. A devout member of the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach, William's faith was a quiet but steady beacon in his life. His commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ brought him strength and peace, and he praised the Lord until his final days. William found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for classic cars, loved reading his Bible daily, and enjoyed listening to spirituals. Watching TBN and westerns provided him with comfort, while cooking and sharing good food brought him happiness. An ardent conversationalist, he spent countless hours on the phone, connecting with loved ones, and relished the beauty of the outdoors. He is survived by his adoring children: William H. Dozier, Jr. of Washington, Lisa Skinner, Avantee Dozier of Tennessee, Ailicia Olds, Joanna Mayo, Amelia Olds, Nichole Mayo, Alejandre Olds, Tameika Hines and Anisha Olds. William was a proud grandfather to 25 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. His siblings, Eva Dozier, Therman Dozier (Catherine), Sherman Dozier (Faye) of Florida, John Dozier, Walter Dozier (Regina), Sandra Stephenson-Cooper (Lawrence) of Chesapeake, Ronnie Dozier (Virginia), and Judith Ferebee (Roy) of South Carolina, remain to honor his memory. William was predeceased by his parents, Nicodemus and Mollie, and his siblings Gloria J. Dozier, Margaret Davis (Joe), Fannie Peterson, Jannie Smith, Robert Dozier, Nicodemus Dozier Jr., Arthur Dozier (Stella), and Joann Humphries (Vernon). A service to celebrate William's life will be held on September 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM at New Jerusalem COGIC, located at 118 Bishop Thoroughgood Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the words of encouragement, prayers of comfort, and all acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. William's legacy of love, faith, and resilience will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.