John Paul "Rusty" Dodd

John Paul “Rusty” Dodd, aged 93, was called home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on February 18, 1933 in Walker County, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Evelyn “Eve” Aultman Dodd; father, David Dodd, mother, Grace Hicks Dodd; sisters Lois Box, Lottie Deavors, Lucy McFerrin (Kenneth), Sue Werner (Jim), Joan Price (Virgil), and Gloria Jones (Gene); brothers Cecil Dodd (Trixie), Neil Dodd (Mary), and Bill Dodd (Christine). Rusty is survived by his daughter Tina Simmons (Allen), son John Dodd (Darlene); grandsons Ty Simmons (Leslie), Christopher Simmons (Tiffany), David Dodd, and Matthew Dodd; granddaughter Brittany Finn (Will); great grandsons Nathan Simmons, Zander Simmons, Sawyer Finn, and Beckett Finn; great granddaughters Jamie Simmons and Zoie Simmons; and many extended family members and friends. Rusty spent his childhood hunting and fishing with his dog, Sarge, in the woods around his home, and playing baseball with his many first cousins. He graduated from Carbon Hill High School in May, 1951, and was on the train to Air Force basic training in San Antonio, TX the very next week. He served in the Air Force for 20 years as a flight mechanic and crew chief, including two tours in Vietnam. He met and married his beloved wife, Eve, in 1955, and they started a family. Upon retiring from the Air Force, the family moved to Prattville, AL, and he went to work as an aircraft mechanic at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, AL. He completed extensive pilot training for multiple corporate jets, allowing him to fly as well as maintain the aircraft. He worked as an executive pilot for Winn Dixie, Jim Wilson and Associates, and Alfa Insurance. He travelled to many places around the world during his long careers in the Air Force and in civilian life. He retired from Alfa Insurance in February, 1998. After retirement, Rusty lovingly cared for Eve as she faced many serious health challenges, including diabetes and breast cancer. He also cared for two of his older siblings, Cecil and Lucy, after their spouses passed away and they had no children. Rusty was an avid sportsman, particularly enjoying bowling, fishing, and golfing. He exceled in all his endeavors, whether professional or leisure. He had a fun sense of humor and was an entertaining storyteller. His passing has left a large hole in our lives that can never be filled. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Prattville Memorial Chapel with Daryl Greer officiating. Visitation will precede the funeral service at 10:00 AM. A graveside service at Prattville Memory Gardens cemetery will follow the funeral. Pallbearers will be David Dodd, Matthew Dodd, Ty Simmons, Christopher Simmons, Nathan Simmons, and Zander Simmons.

John Paul "Rusty" Dodd

February 18, 1933 - May 20, 2026