John Andrew Dotsey, 82, gained his wings on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 am at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm at Griffin Mortuary. John was born to Ras and Helen Dotsey. To this union seven (7) children were born with John being the youngest. John always said, “I’m the last one standing, the last button on Gabriel’s Coat.”

John attended school in Waco, TX. He graduated from A.J. Moore High School. In 1963, John joined the Marines and served until June 27, 1967, when he received an Honorable Discharge. John later moved to Lubbock, TX where he married Ernestine Fifer and helped raise her daughter Cynthia Fifer. Later in life John met the love of his life, Margie Travenia and they married on January 31, 1979, remaining married until his passing. 46 years of wedded bless to John and Margie were born two (2) children Alicia Ann Parrish and John Andrew Dotsey, Jr. John confessed Christ at Lyon’s Chapel Baptist Church.

John was an expert yardman with one of the prettiest yards on 8th street until his health began to fail. He felt bad but Margie encouraged him, saying he was everything a man should be: a husband and a father who took care of his family.

John was employed by the Lubbock Federal Building as a custodian where he met his longtime friend, the late Travis Durham. Soon after John received his journeyman lineman license with Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L), where he trained another good friend Gary Howard. John was employed with LP&L for 26 years before retiring.

John was also known as “The Cactus Man,” which he started raising cactus after his father-in-law Ray Travenia Sr.

John is preceded in death by his parents Ras & Helen Dotsey, his daughter Joana Dotsey, his five sisters Everlee, Viola, Minnie Bell, Ernestine, and Helen Louise, and his brother Ras Jr.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 46 years Margie Travenia Dotsey, his daughter Alicia Ann Parrish, his son John Andrew Dotsey Jr., his two children, that loved and respected John as a father figure, Julius Price and Julia Price, who had a beautiful relationship with John until his passing. His 3 grandchildren Dante Deshawn Applin, Alexia Emma Parrish, and Jessenia Andrea Dotsey, and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving family, and friends.