Raymond Doss
Raymond Gilbert Doss, (born October 23, 1930; died January 1, 2014 in Gardendale) was a volunteer fireman and made his living as an auto mechanic. He owned Doss Automotive for many years and also used his tractor to grade numerous residences, ball fields, and parks in Gardendale and surrounding areas.
He was born in Sardis, Alabama on October 23, 1930 to Kelly and Erah (Sharit) Doss. He married his loving wife, Bettie Marie Frock on August 9, 1952 and celebrated 61 years of a long, loving marriage. They had six children, Steve, Clint, Benny, Kelly, Ramona, and Regina.
Doss served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge, he opened and operated a gasoline and automotive repair business in Gardendale, Doss Automotive, which he ran for 40 years. Upon retirement at age 62, he decided to do what he really enjoyed, play in the dirt. He bought his first large landscaping tractor and started his second business, Doss Tractor Service. His tractor of choice was a big orange Kubota. This new career proved to be his greatest passion. He was a perfectionist with an exacting attention to detail. He was an honest, hardworking man who reveled in a good conversation with anyone.
Doss was also a longtime Miracle League supporter and the Playground of Miracles at Luman Harris Park in Gardendale is named in his honor.
References
- Obituary (January 2, 2014) The Birmingham News
- Obituary (January 3, 2014) "Raymond G Doss" The New Gardendale Funeral Home