William J. Dorsett

William J. Dorsett, 78, of Randleman, NC, passed away Thursday, December 13, 2007, at Wesley Long Hospital in Greensboro, NC. Born April 6, 1929 in Leiland, Illinois to William Dorsett and Mary Cain Dorsett, Bill was a long time resident of Level Cross, NC where in 1963, he built the home in which he raised his family and where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 32 years of service as Plant Maintenance Supervisor. He served four years as a U.S. Army Paratrooper during which time he met and married his first wife of 50 years, Doris Kennedy Dorsett. After retirement, Bill spent his time fishing, traveling, serving his church, reading, and working crossword puzzles. He was an avid wood carver and wooden toy maker, and enjoyed many hours in his woodworking shop. Bill was a Boy Scout Leader and Cub Scout Master for many years. He served faithfully on the Randolph County Planning Board for eighteen years where he often served as Chairman. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Randleman where he was a High School and Adult Sunday School teacher. He was a lay leader and speaker for many years and an active member of the United Methodist Men. He held many offices during his years of service to his church. His hard work to better both his church and community was recognized by the United Methodist Women with the Special Mission Award. Bill was a founding member of the Level Cross Volunteer Fire Department where he served in a volunteer capacity and also restored to serviceability the first fire truck they acquired. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris and his brothers George and Leonard Lenny Dorsett. Bill is survived by his wife, Genie Howell Dorsett of the home; two sons, Ray and his wife Debra, of Midlothian, VA and Gerald "Jerry" and his wife, Ellen, of Wallburg, NC; four grandchildren, Bryan and fiance, Rachel, Emily, Will and Garrett; brother, Steven and wife Shirley of Redgranite, WI; sister, Violet Oard of Continental, OH; brothers and sisters in law, Cora Anna and Sam George of Thomasville; Pete and Margaret Hayworth of High Point, NC; Ellen Dorsett of Poy Sippi, WI; and Margaret Dorsett of Tuscon, AZ; his best friend, Jack McCollum and wife Jean, and many other loving family and friends. Known affectionately as PawPaw by his grandchildren, Bill was a man devoted to his family, friends and church, and will be missed dearly by them. The family wishes to thank Dr. G. Bradley Sherrill, Susan Coward and other staff of RCC as well as the staff of the ICU and the third floor at Wesley Long hospital for their kind and compassionate care during Bill's last months and days. Visitation will be at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman, NC from 7 until 9 PM on Monday, December 17, 2007. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 1:00 PM at Randleman First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Martha Buff Welch officiating. Interment will be immediately after the service at Floral Garden Memorial Park Cemetery in High Point, NC; thereafter, the family will receive at the home until 7 PM that evening. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph County, PO Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204 or First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main St., Randleman, NC 27317.