Dr. Matthew David Dotson, age 46, Superintendent of Hardy County Schools, died unexpectedly Wednesday, September 6, 2017, at his home at 495 Hilltop Drive, Moorefield, West Virginia.

Dr. Dotson, who is married to the former Sherri Schaler, has five children, Olivia Paige, Alexandra, Savannah, Nicholas, and Andrew. Mrs. Dotson is a seventh grade English instructor at Moorefield Middle School.

Dr. Dotson was born at Webster County Memorial Hospital, Webster Springs, WV on February 28, 1971 a son of Daniel Boyd Dotson Jr. and Ms Karen Dotson. Along with his wife, parents and children, he is survived by two brothers, Daniel Boyd Dotson, III, and Christopher John Dotson, his niece, McKenzie, and friend Cynthia Stout. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, James Joseph Dotson.

Dr. Dotson was the starting fullback and leading rusher in the North-South Annual All-Star Classic in high school and played football at West Virginia University. He later transferred to West Virginia Wesleyan College and was a two-year starter at linebacker for the Bobcats.

Dr. Dotson received his B.S. degree from Fairmont State College and received Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and Special Education. He received his Doctorate in Education from Walden University and graduated with a perfect 4.0 scholastic average throughout his graduate studies.

Dr. Dotson worked for the West Virginia Department of Education for six years before being hired as Hardy County Superintendent on July 1, 2016, by a unanimous vote of the School Board.

Dr. Dotson served on several State Department of Education committees and had recently been nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of Eastern Community college.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 3:00pm, at Morris Funeral Home, Cowen, WV with Reverend Brandon Moll officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until time of the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Duffy Methodist Church, 100 N. Elm Street, Moorefield, WV 26836 or Stand Up To Cancer charity at standuptocancer.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.

Services entrusted to the care of Fraley Funeral Home, Moorefield, WV and Morris Funeral Home, Cowen, WV.