Dr. Gary "Doc" Dopson

Dr. Gary “Doc” Dopson, age 77, of Macclenny, FL passed away Friday, January 21, at his home following an extended illness. Doc was born in Macclenny, FL to the late Herod and Murel Rhoden Dopson. He was a lifelong resident of Baker County and a graduate of the Baker County High School, Class of 1962. After graduation Doc attended Lake City Junior College and Forest Ranger School where he was elected the first President of the Student Government and was a member of the first graduating class, Class of 1964. Doc went on to study at the University of Florida where he attended the College of Medicine and graduated with his Doctorate Degree in 1970. After the completion of his studies Doc returned home and opened his family medicine practice in 1972. Doc worked in family medicine for 35 years before taking his position at NEFSH as the Chief of Primary Care in 2006. He loved serving his community and he also loved serving his country. He was a proud member of the Army National Guard, with 32 years of service as a colonel to his country. He spent the last 14 years of his enrollment serving as the State Surgeon of Florida until he retired in 2004. Doc served as a city commissioner for 22 years and then was appointed the Mayor of Macclenny. He served as Chairman of the Board of Baker County Medical Services since its conception. During his tenure he oversaw the daily operations of Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital, W. Frank Wells Nursing Home, John E. Watson Medical Complex, Dopson Family Medical Center and the Baker Rural Health Clinic. Doc had a deep love for the people of Baker County and he strived to give back whenever he could. He served as the team doctor for the Baker County Wildcat Football team for numerous years and donated his time to give free physicals to the children of Baker County. Doc was a member of the Glen Baptist Church and served as a Deacon for several years. Doc enjoyed hunting and was member of the Fairview Hunting Club. He loved cooking for the hunting club members in “Doc’s Kitchen”. Doc was an avid Florida Gator fan. He spent many Saturday’s traveling to Gainesville on the Gator bus and was a Bull Gator for 20 years. Doc is preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters, Ina Faye Long, Voncille Melton and Patricia Ballenger. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Veda Dopson: two sons, Chris Dopson (Stacey) and Doug Dopson both of Macclenny, FL: four grandchildren, Brittnee Milton, Haley Stilwell (Wyatt), Sydney Thomas (Tyler) and Lexey Dopson, all of Macclenny, FL: four great grandchildren, Eva and Emee Milton and Sutton and Doc Stilwell, all of Macclenny, FL: one brother, Gerald Dopson (Brenda) of Macclenny, FL: one sister, Marylee Patton of Morganton, NC. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. A funeral service to honor the life of Dr. Dopson will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, January 24th in the Glen Baptist Church with Elder David Crawford, Pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church and Dr. Brian Dopson, officiating. Visitation and gathering with the family will be from 6 to 8 P.M., Sunday, January 23rd at the church. Interment will follow the funeral services in Woodlawn Cemetery. Guerry Funeral Home, US 90 E., Macclenny, FL has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. Please visit our website at www.guerryfuneralhome.net to leave condolences for the family.