Donald Lee Dotson

Mr. Donald Lee Dotson, fondly known as "Buddy Coats," was born March 24, 1943 in Hazlehurst, GA to the late Willa Mae Thomas Dotson and Elias Jack Dotson, Sr. He was the eighth of nine children. He attended the public schools of Jeff Davis County.

Donald Lee possessed a "green thumb" and always kept a garden that looked worthy of winning all the top awards. As a past-time, he liked to fish. However, his first love was singing! Born into a family of harmonious songsters, he utilized his gift of song to spread the gospel by providing praise, comfort, and uplift. He sang with several gospel groups in the area including The Mighty Cavaliers of Hazlehurst and The Goodwill Singers of Albion, MI. Countless listeners have been touched by his vocals while witnessing this passionate "musical icon" throughout the country. Up until the day before his illness, along with his sister Betty and nieces, he continued to touch others with song.

Donald Lee was skilled as a cement mason with Power Systems in Tifton, GA, and as a heating and air conditioner mechanic in Albion, MI.

He was a member of Antioch CME Church in Hazlehurst.

Donald gained his wings on February 12, 2023, while under hospice care at George and Margaret Morris Center in Jacksonville, FL.

He was preceded in death by five brothers: Joseph, Eugene, Elias, Roland, and Thomas; and two sisters: Evelyn and Joann.

Donald Lee leaves to cherish his loving memory two sisters: Mrs. Betty Lou Dotson Burney and Mrs. Lavern Mann; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.