HAMPSTEAD  -  Marshall F. Dotson, Jr., 95, of Hampstead, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his children.  Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the St. Anne's Episcopal Church columbarium, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall

Marshall was born on June 11, 1930, in Greensboro, NC to Vallie and Marshall Dotson, Sr.  He was raised in Greensboro and then attended UNC Chapel Hill.

He was called to join the US Air Force at the outset of the Korean War.  He served honorably in the Air Force in Japan during the war.  Upon his return to the states and civilian life he attended Guilford College where he received his undergraduate degree in 1957.  Shortly thereafter he was accepted to Wake Forest Law School.  Upon graduation he, his wife Helen E. Dotson and their baby daughter Deborah moved to Jacksonville, NC in 1960.  There, he practiced law with Carl Venters. Not long after starting that position, Marshall and Helen had two more children, Marsha and Marshall III (Chip).  During the years that followed, Marshall and his family turned this move into a seventy-plus year distinguished life and career in Jacksonville.

Later he formed a partnership with Warlick, Milstead, Dotson and Carter where he would eventually complete his career.  Marshall was truly a "lawyer's lawyer" having extensive experience in several areas of law including but not limited to criminal law, municipal law, real estate, civil matters, wills and estates, as well as other areas.  Marshall served many years as Onslow County School Board attorney, and Jacksonville City attorney.  He was the trusted advisor for many families in Jacksonville and throughout Onslow County for over 50 years of distinguished practice.

In December of 2024, Marshall lost the love of his life, Helen E. Dotson.  He leaves behind his three children, Deborah Bluestein (Michael), Marsha Bonner (Jim) and Marshall F. Dotson, III "Chip" (Denise); his beloved grandchildren, Eleanor Bluestein, Helen Alexander O`Conner, James P. Bonner, Jr., Marshall F. Dotson IV, Carlyn Dotson, Olivia Henderson and Christopher Sulivan.  Finally, with true joy and delight, his three great grandchildren; Hugh O`Conner, James O`Conner and Cameron Sulivan.

Marshall loved his life in Jacksonville and his community.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a local charity of your choice.