He was the oldest son born to the late David and Beulah White Dockery of the Union Cross Community in Surry County on June 8, 1928.
On Dec. 13, 1947, he married Maxine Snow Dockery. He lived his entire life in the Dobson area. After a few years being a farmer, he took a job working for the N.C. Highway Department.
He was later employed by Hennis Freight Lines until he and his wife decided to try their hands at building and establishing The Lantern Restaurant in Dobson in 1972. The Lantern Restaurant was his pride and joy for over 38 years. Nobody could fry a pan of chicken like this fine man. Many wonderful friends were made through the years at the legendary restaurant. He served faithfully on the Dobson Board of Commissioners from 1994 until the time of his death. He was proud of the accomplishments the board undertook and made during his tenure. His gentle nature and peaceful decisions served him well during his life.
He had previously served as a board member for the Dobson Alcohol Board Control. Mr. Dockery was a member of Salem Fork Christian Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maxine; his children Karen and Dr. Renfrow Hauser of Mount Airy; and Todd and Susan Dockery of Dobson.
His son Randy preceded him in death in 1966 and was forever a heartache he had to bear.
He had three loving grandchildren who always brought a twinkle to his eye; Scott Hauser and wife Sheri, Mark Hauser and Kennedy Dockery. He was great-grand Papa to Ella, Nolan and Ava Hauser.
He is also survived by his brother Carroll Dockery; and sisters Linda Howard and Lois Cockerham.
The family will received friends at Moody Funeral Home in Dobson on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010. The service will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, by Rev. June Haislip at Salem Fork Christian Church, 2245 Zephyr Road, Dobson. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home 945 Zephyr Road Dobson, NC 27017.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Joan and Howard Woltz Home and Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for the loving, compassionate care shown to them during this difficult time.






