Greenville, South Carolina, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Keith Douglas Dodson, a prominent community figure in Greenville, South Carolina, has passed away at the age of 86. Known for his extensive contributions to the local community and his professional achievements in chemistry, Dodson is remembered for his commitment to family, public service, and the arts. His legacy includes patents in plastics and significant volunteer work, leaving a lasting impact on those he served.
Greenville, South Carolina – Keith Douglas Dodson, a community leader and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his children and caregivers. His extensive contributions to both his profession and local community have left a lasting impact on the lives he touched.
Born on October 20, 1938, in Sandy Ridge, North Carolina, Keith Dodson was the son of Albert Dewey Dodson and Mildred Emma Joyce Dodson. Recognized for his keen intellect from an early age, he pursued higher education passionately. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from High Point University in 1960, followed by a Master of Science in Polymer Chemistry from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute (now part of NYU) in 1963.
In 1959, he married Sarah Virginia Joyce Dodson, who provided steadfast support until her passing in 2021. The couple moved to Brooklyn, New York for Keith’s graduate studies, where they developed a mutual passion for Broadway theater and the arts.
Keith began his professional career at American Enka in Asheville, North Carolina, before joining Celanese/Hoechst Chemical Corporation in Greer, South Carolina, where he worked until retiring in 1992. Throughout his career, he earned three U.S. patents in plastics in 1972, 1975, and 1976, showcasing his innovative contributions to the field of chemistry.
Following his retirement, Keith served as the Director of Total Quality Management for the Westin Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. In addition, he founded Resources Unlimited Consulting, where he worked as a Quality Improvement Consultant for Sea Pines Company. Keith returned to Greenville in 2018 and continued to work remotely for Sea Pines until his second retirement in 2024.
Keith was distinguished not only in his professional life but also in his commitment to public service. He volunteered with multiple organizations, including the Greenville County Schools advisory council and PTA, the Greenville United Methodist Basketball League, and the Friends of the Library. He also served on the Low Country Workforce Investment Board and was an active member of Bridge Builders of the Lowcountry.
As a devoted member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Greenville and St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island, Keith was deeply engaged in the spiritual life of his community. His love for learning continued throughout his life, as he took courses at Furman University’s Olli program, particularly enjoying history. Among his many hobbies, he had a passion for reading, gardening, and traveling, as well as a lifelong love for basketball—both playing in his youth and coaching in his later years.
Survived by his daughter Melinda Dodson Newton and son Stuart Andrew Dodson, along with his three granddaughters, Keith is remembered for his tenderness and generosity not only towards his family but also to the broader community. Keith was preceded in death by his wife Sarah, his father Albert, and his mother Mildred.
The family extends their gratitude to The Gables on Pelham Skilled Nursing and Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care during Keith’s final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church in his memory. A memorial service to celebrate Keith’s life will be scheduled at a later date.
FAQ
What were Keith Dodson’s contributions to the community?
Keith Dodson contributed to various organizations, including serving on the advisory council for Greenville County Schools and volunteering with the Greenville Friends of the Library and the Low Country Workforce Investment Board.
What was Keith Dodson’s professional background?
Keith earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Polymer Chemistry, worked at American Enka and Celanese/Hoechst Chemical Corporation, and held patents in plastics.
When and where will the memorial service be held?
A memorial service to honor Keith’s life will be scheduled at a later date, with details to be announced.
Key Features of Keith Dodson’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1938 |
| Date of Passing | August 20, 2025 |
| Career Highlights | Patents in plastics, Director of Quality Management at Westin Resort |
| Community Involvement | Greenville Schools Advisory Council, Friends of the Library |
| Family Survived By | Daughter Melinda, Son Stuart, three granddaughters |
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
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Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
