Michael Bruce Dodson, 81, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by loved ones.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Eloreen Ewing Dodson; his father, Arvle Dodson; his fraternal twin brother, Charles Milton Dodson; and his infant daughter, Angie Lynn Dodson.
Mike was born on November 29, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, one of fraternal twin boys born to Arvle and Eloreen Dodson. He was a 1962 graduate of Texas Senior High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing six years of honorable service.
In 1967, Mike married Christie Malone Dodson, beginning a marriage that spanned 58 years. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and unwavering commitment to one another. Their marriage was marked by loyalty, sacrifice, laughter, and deep love — a partnership that shaped their family and touched everyone who knew them. Mike passed away on the date of their fifty-eighth wedding anniversary, a reflection of a life fully devoted to the woman he loved.
Mike was a Christian family man and a longtime member of the Church of Christ. A former deacon of Walnut Church of Christ in Texarkana, his faith was central to how he lived his life and guided his relationships, leadership, and service to others.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Mike deeply enjoyed hunting and spending time outside. He loved being in the woods and on the water, especially when he could share those moments with his sons and grandsons. Fishing local lakes and waterways for bass and crappie was one of his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed staying active through sports such as tennis, racquetball, golf, and skiing, and was a regular presence at his sons and grandsons’ games, taking great pride in cheering them on.
Mike began his professional career in the mobile home industry. He then served as a divisional manager at EZ Mart Stores, Inc., before beginning what would become his life’s work in 1980 as owner and operator of the Chick-fil-A restaurant at Central Mall in Texarkana.
In 2003, he opened and operated the stand-alone Chick-fil-A of Richmond Ranch, where his continued dedication to excellence and servant leadership earned him Chick-fil-A’s Symbol of Success Award. Through almost four decades of dedicated service to customers, employees, and fellow merchants, Mike became a respected and trusted presence in the community. He was truly in the people business, known for his commitment to customer service and care for his staff and customers. A staple of the Texarkana restaurant scene, he was often seen taking orders or refilling drinks — known by many as “the Chicken Man. He retired in 2018, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, humility, and care for others.
Beyond his business career, Mike was a dedicated member of the Texarkana community, serving others through both civic involvement and personal leadership. He served on the Texarkana City Council, approaching public service with the same sense of responsibility, fairness, and commitment that guided every part of his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Christie Dodson; his son Michael Chad Dodson and his wife, Suzetta Dodson, and their two sons, Zane Carter Dodson and Gabe Christopher Dodson; his son Michael Casey Dodson; the family’s dog, Krewes; and a wide community of friends and associates. Mike lived his life to the fullest, grounded in faith, devoted to his family, and committed to his community. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas Boulevard location. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Walnut Church of Christ on Moores Lane in Texarkana, Texas, with Don Brown officiating. A graveside service will follow at Chapelwood Cemetery on Kings Highway in Nash, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.