Barney "Nick" M. Dodson's Obituary
Barney (Nick) M. Dodson October 28, 1935 - January 15, 2026
Barney was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who lived a life defined by integrity, generosity, and an unwavering work ethic. His deep devotion to his family and his belief in the value of hard work remain his legacy.
He began working at a very young age and continued for as long as his body would allow. His many years at Big Bear Stores shaped both his career and his character, providing lessons that guided him throughout his life. Those lessons were passed down to his family, often credited to his Big Bear mentor, Mr. Mack. One of the many Mr. Mack quotes Barney lived by was, “Go along with the stuff that doesn’t matter, so you can stand up for the stuff that does”.
In the 1970s, Barney and his uncle opened two Cardinal Food Stores, where he was ahead of his time—introducing a bakery and walk up soft-serve ice cream shop within a neighborhood grocery store. Barney eventually made a courageous career change in the late 1980s by starting Barney Builders Custom Homes. He was self-taught and a true craftsman. He had extreme pride in his work and it showed in every home that he built and every neighborhood he developed. The art of building and the satisfaction in the final work was his driving force. He especially treasured those years working alongside his son, Gary, as his business partner. That passion evolved into building custom cabinets and furniture, a trade he continued well into his 80s. Barney was never one to slow down and he often said, “When you sit down, you stop”. He continued working outdoors—mowing, clearing brush, and tending to his property—until just months before his passing.
He proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, a commitment he spoke of with great pride. He loved John Wayne westerns, Eddie Arnold music and watching NFL and college football, especially Ohio State. Barney enjoyed reminiscing about the many cars he owned, particularly his favorite: a 1954 Buick. He could beat anyone at arm wrestling or a game of checkers. He loved beach and lake vacations with his family, an all-day cup of coffee and a nightly bowl of ice cream.
Barney was extremely devoted to his family. He believed his children could do anything they set their minds to. He gave the best advice in any situation and was always ready to help. He adored all his grandkids, loved being around them, teaching them woodworking and hearing about everything going on in their lives. He was very proud of the family he and Bev built together. He would do anything for anyone and never sought recognition for his kindness. Barney will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his strength and resilience. God doesn’t make men any tougher.
Born in 1935 in Somerset, KY he moved to Columbus, Ohio as a child, but lived most of his life in Dublin, Ohio. Barney is survived by his beloved wife Beverly of 67 years, his daughters Jill (Chad) Smock and Linda (Anthony) Tempesta and his grandchildren Lexi (Jeffrey) Waller, Tori Dodson, Nick Smock (Selena LaBair), Bane (Erica) Dodson, Domenic Tempesta and Luca Tempesta and daughter in law Melanie Ciotti. He is also survived by his siblings Barbara Ring and Allen (Aleta) Dodson.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father Walter and Voletta Dodson, siblings Vinetta, Russell and Karen, and treasured mother-in-law Rachel Bernhardt. Also preceded in death by his granddaughter Marisa Smock and his son Gary Dodson who we expect a joyous reunion.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Stop the Suffering for fostering JoJo his senior dog, to Dr. J Paul Monk at The James for his gentle demeanor and compassionate care, and the team at Capital City Hospice.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Marisa Mascots (asthma awareness in memory of his granddaughter), https://www.marisasmascots.com or Stop the Suffering (animal rescue) https://www.stopthesuffering.org
“You’ve been so kind and generous. I don’t know how you keep on giving. For your kindness, I’m in debt to you. For your selflessness, my admiration. I want to thank you for your generosity, the love and honesty that you gave me. I want to thank you show my gratitude, my love, and my respect for you, I want to thank you. For everything you’ve done, I’m bound to thank you for it”.
Kind and Generous, by Natalie Merchant
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