Obituary of Earl Leland Dockery

Earl Leland Dockery, 87, of Ocala, FL, beloved husband, father and Papa, went home to be with the Lord, January 27th, 2021. Born June 5, 1933 in Dandridge, Tennessee, he joined the Army in 1953 and served 2 years during the Korean War. Upon discharge he attended Carson Newman University, Jefferson City, TN and later received a Medical Technologist Certificate from Dell School of Medical Technology, Asheville, NC. Earl moved to Starke, FL in 1959 and worked for Bradford County Hospital from 1959 until 1973. Eventually moving to Deland, Fl in 1973 and working for West Volusia Memorial Hospital until he retired in 1987. Earl served his community for 40 years in the healthcare industry. He also enjoyed fishing, cooking (especially grilling and barbequing), and long walks with his dog. Earl married the love of his life Myrna Griffis, July 19th, 1971 in Keystone Heights, FL. They eventually settled in Ocala, FL in 1989. They enjoyed spending time together traveling, gardening, and making many wonderful memories with family and friends. A born again Christian and Christ follower, Earl was a member of the Church at the Springs, Ocala, FL for over 20 years serving the Lord as a Door Greeter and in many other capacities. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Minnie Dockery, his sister, Alice Dockery Ridenour and nephew, Jim Ridenour. He leaves behind a loving family in his wife of 50 years, Myrna Griffis Dockery, his children, Michael Millard (Donna), Tennessee, Karen Martin Knoche (Fred), Georgia, Randy Martin (Kim), Ocala, Jennifer Dockery Saoud (Allen), West Virginia, Jeri Dockery, California, Julie Dockery Courtney (Jim), West Virginia, and Jonathan Dockery, California. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Jamie (Kim), Alicia, Joseph (Victoria), Hannah (Kris), Chris (Lori), Nicole (Drew), and Isaac. 8 great-grand children and 2 great-great grand children, several beloved nieces and nephews, and his best buddy Skeeter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 6th at 10:00am, at Church @ the Springs in Ocala. Remote attendance by Zoom available, contact family for invitation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Earl’s memory to the Church at the Springs, 5424 SE 58th Ave. Ocala, FL 34480, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 Arrangements are being handled by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services Ocala, FL (352)-629-7171. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hiers-baxley.com.