Phillip C Dozier

Phillip C. Dozier, 68, died Saturday. He retired in 2002 as Regional Program Manager for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration where he had a 35-year career. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Dozier and her son Phillip J. of Fort Worth, Texas; his brother, Ed Dozier (Barbara) of Little Rock and nieces Daren Dallas, Fort Smith, Deborah Becker, Scottsdale, Ariz. He was predeceased by parents Kathleen and Edgar Woods Dozier; sisters Sue Scott Brown and Sandra Giles; brother Robert Dozier; and niece Kimberly Horton, Houston, Texas. Phil graduated from Fayetteville High where he was a standout running back on the football team. He earned a BA degree from the University of Maryland and worked for Sen. J. William Fulbright's office in Washington while completing his studies. During this period he rubbed elbows with many famous members of Congress and developed personal friendships with many of them. He dated President Lyndon Johnson's daughter, Lucy, for a brief period and was proud to have been an overnight guest in the White House on several occasions. He was especially close with Lee Williams, Fulbright's chief of staff. After graduating, Phil served in the Marine Corps before coming home to earn a law degree from the University of Arkansas in 1971. Phil became close friends with Bill Clinton and was a big supporter of Clinton's race to the presidency. He was invited to both of Clinton's inaugural celebrations, the Oval Office and to some of the new president's "closed" events. He had many friends in Fayetteville and had a fondness for celebrating just about any occasion with his friends at Rogers Recreation Hall and Art's Place. He was a big Razorback fan and attended many games with his brother, Ed. He also loved to play golf when he was in better health and he especially enjoyed boating and luncheon get-togethers with close friends C.H. and Debbie Siegel and Wade and Jan Shackleford. Services will be graveside at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville on Tuesday at 3 p.m. with Rev. Gary Lunford delivering the eulogy. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice and the Siegels for all the special care given Phil in his last days. Friends are encouraged to lift a glass in celebration of Phil's life at Rogers Rec on Dickson Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.