Wesley A. Dodge, 78, of Mars Hill, passed away July 29, 2017 following a lengthy illness. Wesley was born July 24, 1939 in Lowell, MA to Beulah (Shaw) Dodge and the Rev. A. Alton Dodge. His childhood was spent in Pawtucket, RI, East Wareham and Medford, MA. After H.S., he completed training in the U.S. Marines at Parris Island, NC, and proudly served as a U.S. Marine in Japan and at Quantico, VA. Upon honorable discharge he lived in Florida, working for Pratt & Whitney on aircraft engines. And, later owning several of his own successful businesses.
Surviving Wesley is his wife of 43 years, Gloria (McMahon-Cook) Dodge, and sons: Brian S. (Carol), and Kevin A. Dodge, Michael McMahon (Serena and children: Madison, Cate and Jack), and daughter: Kellie Paine (Colin). Granddaughter: Taylor Rae Dodge, and Grandsons: Patrick and Howard Paine, Lewis Paine (Leah), Christopher, Brendan and Liam McMahon, and 2 great-grandchildren: Madelyn and Evan Paine Also survived by brother, Carlton S. Dodge (Linda), New Holland, PA and sister, Joyce D. Cluley, Audubon, PA, and by sister-in-law, Teresa Cook, Boston, MA, nieces, nephews and many first cousins. Wesley was predeceased by his first wife, Donna C. (Goss) Dodge.
In 1978, Wes and family moved from Florida to Mars Hill where they purchased the former “California Creek Baptist Church” on Hwy #23 and established “The Deacon’s Bench” restaurant and residence. In subsequent years the church was a Gift Shop for Appalachian Mountain crafts, as well as a locally renowned “Wedding Chapel”.
Wesley was a carpenter who loved to build things and was a talented contractor, building and remodeling several homes at Wolf Laurel. He was a talented man and could fix or repair most anything from cars to heating and a/c equipment! He never said no to family, friends or even strangers who showed up at his door needing a helping hand. He had a true Christian spirit of giving to others. He went through life with a smile, a whistle, and always sharing funny stories and jokes. No family campfire or gathering was complete without Wes leaving all of us in stitches!
A memorial service will be held 10:00am Friday, August 4, 2017 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service in Mars Hill. Reverend Wiley Cooper will officiate. Burial will follow in the Western North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to: “ K9 for Warriors” 114 Camp K9 Road, Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081, or k9sforwarriors.org
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.com

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