Roll Call Tribute

Rodney Lee "Rod" Dockery, Sr. 

November 10, 1943 - August 29, 2024 

Rodney Lee Dockery, Sr., 80, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024. He was born November 10, 1943 in Call, Texas to Luther Lee and Mary Kathleen Kent Dockery.

Rod grew up in Kirbyville, TX graduating KHS in 1962. He was awarded the American Legion Award in both Junior HS and Senior HS. Rod attended Texas A&M University earning a BBA in Marketing in 1966. While at A&M, Rod led a student body of 17,000 as a Yell Leader. Rod was a lifelong proud supporter of everything A&M, especially sports. He established numerous endowed scholarships for Texas A&M students. Rod made lifelong connections while at Texas A&M; he truly embodied the Spirit of Aggieland.

After college, he lit out for parts unknown, landing in Cincinnati, OH as a salesman for Monsanto Corp. He excelled in the sales/marketing field and broke sales records throughout his career. He eventually settled in Dallas establishing Heritage Publishing as well as Dockery House Publishing. Later, he developed his commercial real estate holdings throughout Dallas and East Texas.

Despite contracting polio as an infant, he overcame many challenges throughout life. He never let these limitations define him. Rather, he developed a strong work ethic which stayed with him until the end. Rod lived life fully; his indomitable spirit and competitive nature took him far in life. We fondly remember Rod as being generous, gregarious, charismatic and stubborn.

Rod is survived by his two children: Rodney Lee Dockery, Jr. and Meredith Dockery. He is also survived by a younger brother John R. Dockery (Collette) and younger sister Elizabeth Barnett (Greg) along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Colonel Charles Dockery, USMC.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral home in Lindale, Texas at 6 pm to be followed by a Rosary at 7:30 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindale, Texas at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 12th Man Foundation of Texas A&M or Hospice of East Texas.