Roland "Dock" Dockery

Roland “Dock” Dockery died August 23, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Bond Dockery; grandson, Brentlee “DJ” Craig; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Dockery Craig.

Born in Jackson County, GA to J.W. Dockery and Julia Bowen Dockery, he was the youngest of nine. His family moved to the Wolfskin community, Arnoldsville, GA, when he was three years old.

Dock attended Meason Academy, Arnoldsville School, and graduated from Winterville High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in December of 1955. He served in the Cuban Missile Crisis and did two tours in the coastal waters of Vietnam, retiring after twenty years as a decorated Veteran in April 1975. He is a plank owner of the Navy Memorial, as well as a member of the American Legion and Fleet Reserve Association.

After the Navy, he worked for the University of Georgia in the vet school pharmacy and in the instrument shop, retiring after twenty-two years in April 1997.

He is a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He cared for his friends and was always full of humor and fun. He loved the outdoors and working on the farm driving his lawnmower and tractor, but most of all, helping others. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Many thanks to the nurses at Gentiva Hospice and his living caregivers.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Temple UMC Cemetery in Arnoldsville, GA, starting at 2:00 P.M. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. in the church fellowship hall.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com