Doc was born in Ft. Worth, TX in 1936. He was known as Jimmy to friends and family there, Hambone by his TCU family, and “Doc” by his Midland family. He attended Poly High School in Ft.Worth, graduated and became a student trainer at TCU. During those years he took care of some of the greatest athletes: Jim Swink, Bob Lily, Marvin Lasater and Bob Schieffer. Graduating from TCU in 1958, he became the MHS Trainer in1959 and retired in 1990. He married Gayle McMullan in1963 and had two daughters, Kelly and Jamie.Doc received more honors during his career than we can list here. Some that stand out are: The Certificate of Merit presented by President Johnson in 1965 for saving a young girls life In 1972 he was the 1st High School Trainer selected to be the Trainer for the World Olympics in Munich, Germany. Outstanding Trainer in the United States for the years of 1977, 80, and 91SWATA Hall of Fame Charter Member and NATA Hall of Fame Member 1985The above information came from his funeral, which Glenn and I were unable to attend. We were told that the family entered the service to the Midland High Fight Song which was played by the MHS High School Band. Doc was a unique person that touched many lives in Midland and elsewhere. He played a prominent role our lives. We would never have found each other if he had not convinced us both to attend TCU. He had no idea what he was setting in motion—and neither did we. He was in and out of our lives for almost 60 years. We were fortunate to visit with Gayle and Doc when he came to Arlington for a convention in 2018. His body was somewhat frail and he was in a wheelchair, but the sparkle in his eyes and his smile at greeting us never left his face. We had come to say “hello” once more and knew that it would also probably be “good-bye” but those words were never mentioned. Memories, laughter, and hugs were everywhere. It was a great afternoon of visiting and remembering our times together in Midland. Doc did not grow up on Midland Water but he got there as soon as he could, drank the water, and never left.
Midland Fight
On ye, Bulldogs, On ye, Bulldogs, Fight right through that lineEver onward, ever forward, We will win or die.Ra-Ra-RaOn ye, Bulldogs, On ye, Bulldogs Fight for VictoryFight Bulldogs, Fight Fight, Fight and Win this game.Yay Purple, Yay Gold, Yay Bulldogs, Go Go GoMidland Fight, Midland Fight, Yay Midland FightMidland Fight, Midland Fight, Yay Midland Fight
Suzi Northcutt Griffith
Nov 17, 2019
So glad to see this tribute to Doc. He surely was loved by all of us and made us feel loved, didn’t he? He was one of those teachers who we looked forward to seeing each day standing outside his door and greeting us as we walked by.
Bob Ittner
Nov 18, 2019
Suzanne and Glenn, I can’t remember ever hearing anything from or about Doc that wasn’t positive. Try to match that! Think of all the lives he touched. My father hurt his knee and Doc invited him down to his rehab center in the early morning to work with him. My father being elderly and not an early riser did not take him up on it but how thoughtful. I bet there are a million similar stories.
Dianne Whittington
Nov 18, 2019
I was a sophomore at MHS in 1961, a year before LHS would create the separation of our class. I was not in athletics of any kind but began to hear his name and would see him in the halls. My first memory of Doc was a smile- when he would occasionally be in the halls between classes. I could have mistaken him for a senior but then heard that he was a teacher and taught Social Studies. I never had him for a class but I did have Mr. Kent, the tennis coach. ( I have no idea what he taught but we had fun in his class). The two of them would joke around with each other before class started.
In April 1963 he played bridge with several seniors at my house. I had applied to Texas but was thinking I wanted to go someplace different. He began talking about TCU and what a great school it was. I had been to Ft. Worth for the State Fair so on a whim, Mitt Edwards and I applied and were accepted. So began years of a connection with Doc and later Gayle.
Rozi Gillham, Carol Key, Vicki Wilson, Becky Blackmon,. Barba Ballinger, and Tommy Potter were also TCU freshmen in 1963. There could have been more but I have slept since then.
Suzi Northcutt Griffith
Nov 19, 2019
Don’t forget Davieann Monroe. Seems like her folks moved to New Mexico after her freshman year.
John McElligott
Nov 30, 2019
Doc treated me for my first ever back strain in 1962. I have had a hundred more and always used Doc techniques. My patients over the years got the DD treatment and all got well. J
Don Patteson
Dec 1, 2019
Doc Dodson was so special; thank you, Whittingtons, for the wonderful tribute. While there were many highlights in going to the new high school, losing the influence of Doc certainly was not one of them. He had that rare talent of making you want to better because you knew he cared.