My deepest condolences to all of Matt's family. Matt and I came in together as freshmen football players at WVU. We also played on the North team during the North-south game. He was a good man of character from the first day I met him. Once you wear the Old Gold and Blue you are forever a brother Mountaineer. Rest in peace brother!

Posted by Stephen Redd on September 13, 2017

To the entire Dotson family, the Tucker County School community is truly sorry to learn of the loss of Dr. Dotson who was a respected friend and colleague to many of us. Your family is in our prayers and we hope that you will find peace in knowing that Matt leaves behind a legacy of respect and admiration. I will always remember his positive nature and his willingness to see the good in everything. Tucker County Schools sends your family many prayers and thoughts.

Posted by Dr. Eddie R. Campbell, Jr. on September 12, 2017

Matt was a special person to me. We met at WVU as two freshmen in 1989 on the WVU football team and became best friends. 3 years later he introduced me to my future wife . 22 anniversaries later, Matt will always have a special place in my and my wife's heart for helping create our union. As life tends to do,, Matt and I lost contact over the years, but I still thought of him as a brother and the love and appreciation for him never tarnished. My deepest condolences to Matt's wife , children , mom, dad and brothers. I got the privilege of getting to know his mom, dad and brothers and they are great people. My heart and prayers go out to all of the family. I will miss my brother and his impact on my life will never be forgotten. Clint Ooten

Posted by Clint Ooten on September 12, 2017

Dear Dotson Family, It has been an honor to have known and worked with Matt (2009-2014) at the West Virginia Department of Education. As our little “band of brothers/sisters” traveled across West Virginia, we stayed in hotels, motels, cabins and shared many meals together…after so much “togetherness” on the road… we all became more like family than coworkers. Matt was so very kind to every single person he met along the way, and his manners were something like a throwback to a different generation…I think they may have broken the “gentleman” mold after Matt. For example, if it were rainy or cold, Matt would insist on picking us up at the door, and any time Matt went somewhere, he always asked if any of us needed anything and if so he would gladly bring it back, his kindness was consistently evident in the hundreds of interviews he conducted with teachers, principals and other school staff across the state. It never seemed like Matt ever had a bad day, he was always upbeat and cheerful. He laughed with us and lots of times (lovingly) AT us! He teased Susan about her fashion sense, me about everything else…. I do think he went quite a bit “easier” on Allen. He definitely had a little mischievous sparkle in his eye….he was a joker and on occasion(?) he could be caught throwing a spit ball, but most of all….he loved to TALK!!!! He talked about his love for West Virginia, Webster Springs/County, West Virginia football, his beloved wife, children and family. Every one of us knew without a doubt that the most important thing to Matt was his family. He was so proud of ALL of you, his parents, brothers, wife and children. It was so wonderful to hear both Olivia and Sheri speak at the funeral. I think Matt would have been so proud of you both…to see your strength and love shine through your words. I often jokingly referred to Matt as the little brother I “never” wanted… Although Matt and I had moved on to different jobs and we had lost touch, I still think of him from time to time, like when I can feel my body aging…and I think how I should be more like Matt and start “stretching” every morning…. I was so very, very sad to hear of his passing, and I hope that your heartache will soon be replaced with loving memories for he adored ALL of you. I rest easy in that I am sure Matt knew while I never “wanted” a little brother, I sure was fortunate that my little brother ended up being Matt Dotson. Much love, Anne Monterosso

Posted by Anne Monterosso on September 12, 2017

Boyd, Karen, and the Dotson Family, I am truly so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, brother, father, husband and friend to so many. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers that you will find comfort in the Memorials that Matt has left behind. He reminded me so much of His Father in the way he always was so friendly and didn't know a stranger. Much love and hugs to the family.

Posted by Steve and Anita Postelwait on September 10, 2017

So sorry to hear. I will be praying for the family.

Posted by Craig Carpenter on September 10, 2017

The loss of such a great man is hard to understand. Matt was one of a kind. His smile and strength will be missed. Love and prayers to his family and all his friends. There are just no words to describe the loss.

Posted by Debra Harless on September 10, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May the peace of God be with you. Much love to you all. Mike & Hilda Alsop

Posted by Mike & Hilda Alsop on September 9, 2017

I loved to basket ball with mat in grade school we became friends then and we stayed that way all through high school he will be missed and gone too soon . GOD SPEED MAT !!

Posted by Marvin Bender on September 9, 2017

Matt you were kinds person I know ! You always had a big smile! You will truly be missed . As your children go on in life we will be able to see you in them ! RIP. Big Guy !!

Posted by Traci Lynch BIAS on September 9, 2017

Matt was always a great pesron spoke to were ever he saw you at will be greatly missed by many friends and family not only in webster county but where ever he hung his hat to call home

Posted by Steve Mullens on September 9, 2017

My sincere condolences are sent to Dr. Dotson's entire family. I have only known Dr. Dotson for a short time but I considered him a colleague and a friend. He had my respect and total loyalty as a member of the Hardy County Board of Education. We talked many times about hunting and fishing. Dr. Dotson seemed to have a love of the outdoors. In times like this, words cannot express the sorrow, emotions and feelings the family is experiencing. Again, my heartfelt sympathy to the entire Dotson family, Douglas C Hines Hardy County Board of Education

Posted by Douglas Hines on September 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the Dotson family during this time of sorrow. Words can not express how saddened I was to hear of Matthew's passing. I am praying for your strength and healing and sending positive thoughts. God bless you and comfort you. With Love, Lisa Tuttle

Posted by Lisa Tuttle on September 9, 2017

To the family of Matt Dotson, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Matt. Please know that he will be missed by many friends and acquaintances. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. I will keep you close in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you, Susan Grady, MIneral County Schools

Posted by Susan Grady on September 9, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today as you go through this memorial. Love to Matt's family and that our Lord and Comforter will bring you together with His LOVE. Blessings, Dena & Craig

Posted by Craig & Dena Curtis on September 9, 2017

My sincere condolences to Matt's family. My heart aches for the loss of such a fine, young man. I will forever remember what a nice smile he always had for everyone.

Posted by Janet Beckett on September 9, 2017

Our hearts are heavy this morning that we will not be able to attend today to say goodbye to our dear friend Matt! He would be proud to know that we are taking our son to Wesleyan to visit and meet with the football coaches today. Matt was a one of a kind , great guy whose smile always made you feel welcome. We will forever miss him. Love and prayers to all of the family???

Posted by Lori Milam on September 9, 2017

My heart is hurting that we have lost a fine young man. My prayer is that the family can have peace within knowing the love they shared and the love and respect he had for his family. My prayer for Karen and Boyd is that they hold his memories close and always remember the happiness he bought them. May God lay his healing hand upon you both forever.

Posted by Jennifer (Pugh) Triplett on September 9, 2017

May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences. I also want to share a beautiful scripture that gives us much hope and personal comfort.  Acts 24:15 "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous."  Imagine that day when all our loved ones are brought back to life through a resurrection and we can embrace them again.  How we long for that truly special day so close at hand.

Posted by Beth Moore on September 9, 2017

We pray for God's comfort and peace for your entire family. Matt was a great husband, dad, son... and neighbor. He was well loved and respected by many. He will truly be missed in all our lives.

Posted by Jeff & Carla Anderson on September 9, 2017

Our sympathies.

Posted by JDana Holbroo on September 9, 2017

I was a senior at Philip Barbour when i first met Matt when Wesleyan was recruiting me. He was bigger than life to me then. I ended up going to Wesleyan as a freshman and roomed down the hall and became great friends with him. My roommate left the second semester as did Matt's foreign exchange student roomie. As my room was a hangout spot anyways we ended up using his room for sleep and mine for a lounge area. He being an upperclassman and accepting me as an equal was the world to me at that time. We both ended up transferring to Fairmont after that and ran into each other at different times and places but every time was like we hadn't skipped a beat. Even though it was years between each time Matt was the friend that you didn't have to talk to everyday or week or year you just picked right up where you left off and knew that's guy is my friend and was proud to be his. I've never met any of his family but feel like I'm part of it and am devastated like he was my brother. I've told my family and friends stories of him almost like bragging i knew him let alone be his friend. To this day like that young lost freshman over 20 years ago he still seems bigger than life to me walking around that campus in his KC jacket his dad gave him from Marty Shottenhiemer. Love and peace to you all.

Posted by DJ Harris on September 9, 2017

We are sending our love and deepest sympathy to the Dotson Family Matt was a great kind person. Love Roger & Sheila

Posted by Roger and Sheila on September 9, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Posted by Winnie Light Giangola on September 9, 2017

Thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days to Sherrie, Drew and the rest of their children...he was always a very kind person to speak to, a smile was present when speaking to him as well...

Posted by Beth Dolan on September 9, 2017

To the Dotson Family Its hard to understand why people are taken from us, but I hope you all can find comfort in knowing you were such a special part of such a beloved life. I have known Olivia since the day she was born. My heart aches for you all. Prayers for you all. Marie Thomas Oxford, North Carolina

Posted by Marie Thomas on September 9, 2017

So sorry for your loss. Keeping all in our prayers.May you find comfort in knowing we care.

Posted by Bob & Sammie Gillespie Allman on September 9, 2017

I wanted to express my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Dotson and children. I got to know Dr. Dotson from filming the Board of Education meetings for WELD. I really liked him and I will miss him.

Posted by Bill Hill on September 9, 2017

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the entire Dotson family. I've known Matt since we were kids, and our families go back as friends for several generations. I had the pleasure of going to high school with him. I also worked a few summers with him at the WV Dept of Highways. l'm thankful for the memories we shared. Matt was always quick to tell a joke, and always waved and said hello. I'm sorry that l lost touch with him over the years, but know that he was a good man who touched many lives and hearts. May he Rest In Peace. With deepest condolences, Matt and Olga Given

Posted by Matt Given on September 8, 2017

So very sorry for your loss, Matt was such an awesome man and good friend. May God comfort and strengthen you and give you peace in the days ahead. Our deepest condolences.

Posted by Bud and Rhonda Eads-Moffatt on September 8, 2017

I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Dotson family. Though I've not known Dr. Dotson long, he made a deep impression on me with his caring nature and help given. May God be with you.

Posted by Heidi Pratt on September 8, 2017

Sherry and family, so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you all.

Posted by Julie Rudloff on September 8, 2017

My heart is broken for a soul gone too soon. Many prayers to Boyd, Karen, Liv & the rest of the family & friends. May you find peace & comfort through your darkest days. Sincerely, Amy McCoy

Posted by Amy McCoy on September 8, 2017

It is with much love and prayers that we offer our deepest condolences. Our prayer is that you find rest,peace, and comfort as you mourn the loss of Matt. We will continue to pray for your entire family. Kevin and Chessica Lucky

Posted by The Luckys on September 8, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Dotson

Posted by Mallie Combs on September 8, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Dotson's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.The Moorefield Middle School National Junior Honor Society will be making a $25 donation to Stand Up For Cancer in memory of Dr. Dotson.

Posted by MMS NJHS on September 8, 2017

Matthew was a kind wonderful professional and friend. My heart is sad. I pray Matthew's family knows how very very proud he was of all of you. We never had a meeting where he did not mention all of you. His eyes would shine with love about his precious children and his lovely wife. Marion County Special Education staff recall Matthew with great fondness. His visits as a monitor were always respectful and helpful. Our prayers are with his family. His loss is felt by many of those he touched. Gia Deasy Marion County Schools

Posted by Gia Deasy on September 8, 2017

Prayers to the family...

Posted by Ellen green russell on September 8, 2017

I'm very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Derek Barr

Posted by Derek Barr on September 8, 2017

God speed old friend. Heartfelt condolences to his family from mine and prayers for peace and understanding. Long time friend who carried much respect for him and his family. Again..God speed Matt...

Posted by Michael Baird on September 8, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Sherri, the children, Danny and Chris , and Boyd and Karen. I have always prized my long friendship with the Dotson family and hope that the consolation of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord will help ease your grief at this very difficult time. If I can be of any service to your family please let me know. Russ

Posted by Russell Stump on September 8, 2017

To one of the dearest families that touched my life in so many ways. Thankful for the memories we have shared. My heart hurts for all of you....there are no words to even begin to heal or take the pain away. Just know that you are now and will forever be surrounded by people who love you and will help you when you feel you can't. Matt was a beautiful person inside and out and I am blessed to have made memories with him while hearing that infectious laugh he had. Forever In my heart ? Love you Boyd, Karen, Chris, Danny and Sherri. Chris....here's to him taggging along and those journeys up McGuire mountain in the ole orange blazer and the woody caravan!

Posted by Tammy (Hamrick) on September 8, 2017

Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family.

Posted by Bev Nichols on September 8, 2017

Boyd, Karen and family, so sorry for your loss. Matt was such a good person. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru this.

Posted by Gloria Cowger on September 8, 2017