Marvin "Frank" Dodson Jr.

Marvin (Frank) Dodson, Jr. passed away on May 21, 2025, at his home in Laurel, Maryland, surrounded by his three beloved daughters.

Born on August 20, 1954, Frank was raised in College Park, Maryland.  Frank was the cherished oldest son of the late Marvin Francis and June Florine Dodson (Rock). He was known for his wild spirit and love of cars.  Frank was fearless and full of life. Affectionally called “Old Man” by his family, Frank will be remembered for his matter-of-fact personality, his character, his wit, and his enduring love for his family.

He followed in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps, building a lifelong career in the auto-body repair trade that spanned more than 50 years.  He loved the trade and never grew tired of fixing cars.  He’d even fix cars in his dreams.

Outside the shop, Frank could be found restoring and maintaining his 1940s Cape Cod home, a labor of love that he carried out with great care and attention to detail. His yard, always beautifully landscaped, was a source of pride and joy. Equally cherished was his fully restored 1963 Chevy Impala, which he proudly showcased at car shows, often with his granddaughters by his side.

Frank was the heart of family gatherings, hosting every holiday since 2002. He honored family traditions passed down from his parents, ensuring each celebration was filled with warmth, laughter, and love.  He was famous for his fruit punch and joked with his granddaughter that it was his legacy and they’d talk about it at his memorial service.

He was an avid Terps fan and was seldom seen in recent years without something on his person that displayed his Maryland pride.  He loved watching the lady Terps play basketball but loved his own lady Terps most of all.

Above all, Frank found his greatest joy in being “Dad” and “Granddad.” As the proud father of three daughters—he embraced his role as the ultimate "Girl Dad"—he was later blessed with three granddaughters, forming deep and lasting bonds with each of them. He was adored and lovingly spoiled by his girls, who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

Frank was a loving father, devoted grandfather, hard-working employee, and a loyal friend.  Son of the late Marvin Francis and June Florine Rock Dodson. Beloved father to Melissa Ann Kiernan, Beth Mueller (Michael), and Jennifer Lea Wiseman (Jason). He was a cherished grandfather to Carlie Jane-Florine and Mariah Brooke Wiseman and Kaitlin Justina Kiernan. Loving brother to June Florine Fezie (Joseph), Barbara Anne, Thomas William, and Steven Mark Dodson. Loving uncle to Rebecca Carrie Menejia, Nicholas Stephen Fezie (Catherine Bloom), Thomas William Dodson, Jr. (Pauline), and Laura Wray Wiggins (Trey). Loving great uncle to Reese Makayla and Ruby Mila Menejia, Abigail Wiggins, and Nathan Joseph and Eleanor Alice Fezie. Loving nephew to George Worthington Rock, Jr. (Judy), deceased Sherry Linda Stallard and Fran Long Rock. First cousin to George Worthington Rock, III (Katherine) and their children Ridgeley Thomas and Ensley Ann.

A Visitation will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. in Laurel, Maryland, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11:30 AM followed by a burial at Fort Lincoln Cemetery.

Repass information to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Maryland, College Park, or to the ASPCA.

The University of Maryland, College Park:

https://giving.umd.edu/campaigns/ag-priorities-causes

ASPCA:

https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give