Keith Dodson Obituary

Keith Douglas Dodson, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his children and caregivers on August 20, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina. A devoted son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Keith lived a life marked by curiosity, service, and enduring love. Born on October 20, 1938, in Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, Keith was the son of Albert Dewey Dodson and Mildred Emma Joyce Dodson. From an early age, he exhibited a keen intellect and a passion for learning that would shape his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from High Point University in 1960 before continuing his education at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now part of NYU), where he earned a Master of Science degree in Polymer Chemistry in 1963. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Sarah Virginia Joyce Dodson, who loved and supported him until her death in 2021. Keith and Sarah moved from High Point, North Carolina to Brooklyn, NY for him to attend graduate school where they discovered Broadway theater - something they continued to share throughout their lives. Keith began his professional career with American Enka in Asheville, NC and later joined Celanese/Hoechst Chemical Corporation in Greer until his retirement in 1992. His expertise and leadership in the field of polymer chemistry were widely respected. Keith earned three US Patents in Plastics in 1972, 1975 and 1976 respectively. After his retirement, he and his wife, Sarah, moved to Hilton Head Island, SC where he served as Director of Total Quality Management for the Westin Resort and later founded Resources Unlimited Consulting, where he served as Quality Improvement Consultant for Sea Pines Company. In 2018, Keith and Sarah returned to Greenville, where he continued to work remotely for Sea Pines until his second retirement in 2024. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Keith was committed to public service and community engagement. He volunteered with Greenville County Schools advisory council and PTA, the Greenville United Methodist Basketball League, Greenville Friends of the Library, the Low Country Work Support/Welfare to Work Council, the Low Country Workforce Investment Board, and Bridge Builders of the Lowcountry. His efforts reflected a lifelong dedication to education, youth development, and service. Keith was also an active member of both Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Greenville and St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island. His faith guided his actions, providing him with a strong foundation for humble service and compassion. Keith was an avid reader on many topics, especially history. He never stopped learning and enjoyed courses at Furman University's Olli program taking classes in South Carolina History, religions and other topics. He found joy in travel, Broadway plays and gardening. Basketball held a special place in his heart, and he played the game with enthusiasm in his youth and later coached it with equal passion. Keith cherished time with his family above all else. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sarah Joyce Dodson; his father Albert Dewey Dodson; and his mother Mildred Joyce Dodson. He is survived by his daughter Melinda Dodson Newton (Rich); son Stuart Andrew Dodson (Katie Crawford); and his cherished granddaughters Kathryn Joyce Newton, Wylie Skye Crawford Dodson, and Willoday Tiger Dodson as well as dozens of Dodson cousins. He was also a proud member of several professional organizations including the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Quality-testaments to his commitment to excellence in science and industry. Keith Douglas Dodson will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, cousin, friend-and as someone who gave generously of himself to every community he touched. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps. The family thanks The Gables on Pelham Skilled Nursing and Compassus Hospice for their care and gentle guidance sending Keith home to the Lord. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Aldersgate United Methodist Church. A memorial service honoring Keith's life will be held at a later date. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Keith with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".