The family of Coach Dodd sadly announces his death on August, 29, 2023. He was born in Savannah, GA on July 23, 1962 to the late Ernest Gene Dodd, Sr. and Trudy Robertson-Dodd. He is survived by his loving wife, Monica Simon-Dodd; his two sons, Samuel Gene Dodd and Geoffrey Simon Dodd. Also surviving him are his brothers, Gordon, Barry (Leslie), and Travis; and his special aunt and uncle, Thelma and Karl Harris.
Coach Dodd was born and raised in Savannah, and was an all-state football and all-city basketball athlete for the Savannah Christian Raiders. After graduating, he attended the Citadel Military College on a full scholarship to play fullback on the Bulldog’s football team until graduating with a degree in English. Afterwords, he received his teaching certificate from Armstrong Atlantic State University and began his teaching career at Coastal Middle School.
He loved his family, Coastal Middle School soccer, Georgia Bull Dawgs, and all things sports. A local celebrity in his hometown, Coach Dodd took pride in teaching children as a soccer coach and teacher for 30 years. He led the Coastal Middle School soccer team to be city champions for 10 years straight, and,more important to him, he wanted to be a positive role model and influence for the students that he taught and coached. Additionally, he was equally passionate to coach the winning Fusion youth recreational soccer team for many years. He sincerely cared about all the students and players that he taught.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Station Exchange assisted living home in Richmond Hill in honor of Coach Dodd.