Daniel James Dotson, 74, of Farnham, Virginia peacefully departed his Earthly life on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Born in Ashland, Ohio to Harry G. and Charlotte Teeter Dotson, Daniel was the widower of Linda Steiner Dotson. He was an alumnus of Ashland University, a member of Milden Presbyterian Church, and a retired accountant from the Ashland Oil Company.


Daniel leaves behind a sister, Carolyn Scholz of Charleston, SC; brother, David (Jennifer) Dotson of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Kenneth Oberholtzer of Ashland, Ohio; brother-in-law, Carlton (Harlene) Steiner of Smithville, Ohio; sister-in-law, Carole Steiner of Seville, Ohio; and brother-in-law, John (Patti) Steiner of Creston, Ohio, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dan was predeceased by his sister Anne Oberholtzer. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Daniel’s friends Sue and Martin Hinson, Walter Winegar, and devoted caregiver Kathy Balderson for all the support, care, and companionship they provided to Daniel.


Although Daniel’s occupation began as a math teacher, he soon found his niche as an accountant for the Ashland Oil Company, a setting in which he could more appropriately apply his love for logic and algorithms. His career at Ashland Oil was diverse, relocating the Dotsons numerous times across the southern U.S to troubleshoot for the accounting department. The Dotsons’ last assignment was in Nashville, TN, where they made their home for 18 years before moving to the Northern Neck of Virginia. Upon retirement, Daniel designed their dream home by the river, and Linda decorated it beautifully. Daniel’s avocations included world travel, woodworking, boating, making homemade ice cream, and reading a good science fiction novel. A lifelong lover of felines, he deeply cherished his cats and enjoyed spoiling them.


A private memorial service to celebrate Daniel’s life will be held in the fall for close friends and family.