Terry Dozier, Jr

Terry “Blue” Dozier Jr.

           Today, we gather with heavy hearts and loving memories to celebrate the life of Terry Dozier Jr., affectionately known as Blue.

              Terry was born on June 11, 1955, in Saluda, South Carolina, to the late Annie Louise “Sis” Dozier Smokes and Henry Moore Raunch. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, the late Romulus and Annie Johnson Dozier, known to many as Big Ma and Granddaddy.

Terry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and was soon to become a great-grandfather. On September 1, 2025, he peacefully received his wings at Pruitt Health Nursing Home in Aiken, South Carolina.

Terry received his early education in the Saluda County public school system and later attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York.

In search of a new chapter, Terry moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he embraced city life and discovered his passion for cars. A self-taught mechanic, Terry's talent and love for fixing vehicles became his life-long calling. He worked at several body shops and even served as a go-kart repairman at the world-famous Coney Island Amusement Park and Polar Express. Eventually, he returned home to Saluda, where he opened his own mechanic shop, "Do Drop In."

Though cars were his passion, Terry also worked for Lewis Rich in Newberry, South Carolina, and later drove trucks for Amick Farms, where he remained for over 12 years before retiring in 2019.

In 1994, while living in Brooklyn, Terry met the love of his life, Cathy Kaytrina Evans. The couple relocated to Saluda in 1999, where they built a life together rooted in love, family, and faith. On December 17, 2000, they exchanged vows, sealing a bond that would last a lifetime.

Terry leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy Dozier, and their children and grandchildren:

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Cathy Dozier; daughters Shamaka Thompson (Beltsville, MD), Atiya Dozier-Ashbey (George) (Brooklyn, NY), and Tanequa Dozier (PA); stepson Cory Evans (Eshonda); grandchildren Avione, Gianna, Gianni, Gia, Cassidy, and a great-grandchild on the way.

He is also survived by siblings: Darren Dozier (Newberry, SC), Kason Dozier (Marie) (PA), Unique G. Dozier (Cherry) (Columbia, SC), Rodney Smokes (Queens, NY), Barbara Dozier (Brooklyn, NY), and Tammy Dozier-Miller (Darius) (Queens, NY); and a host of extended family, and friends.

Terry will be remembered for his kind heart, mechanical genius, deep love for his family, and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.

Please include the family in your prayers when you bow to pray as they go through their hour of bereavement.

Butler and Sons Funeral Home is assisting the Dozier Family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terry Dozier, Jr, please visit our floral store.