Paul Dozier

Paul Lawrence Dozier was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 30,1943 to Willie and Ada Dozier. Willie and Ada were blessed with seven children. Paul was the middle child - with three elder siblings (Bob, Frank and Gloria) and three younger siblings (Arthur, Isaiah and Pearl). Paul was preceded in death by both his parents and two of his brothers, Bob and Isaiah.

Paul was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northeastern High School in 1961. Shortly after high school, Paul joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany for most of his service in the military. He served from 1962 to 1965. He was very proud of his military service and was discharged in 1965 with the rank of Sergeant, Specialist 5. After completing his military service, Paul returned home to continue his education, where he attended Wayne State University to pursue his studies in philosophy and math. For many
Years.

Paul was employed at Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse, Michigan, first as a clerk and, notably, was later promoted to the position of dispatcher and was the first African American dispatcher in the history of Great Lakes Steel, which at that time was truly a milestone.

Paul was a very loyal and loving brother to all of his siblings and was also a very sensitive mentor who offered guidance and counseling to the many young people he encountered throughout his adult life. Paul never married and had no children; however, since he was the middle child, he had a unique opportunity to play mentor to, not only his younger siblings, but his elder siblings as well. In a sense he was married to his family. And this was the essential strength and character of his life which was reflected in his ability to touch so many lives. And chief among those many lives were his numerous nieces and nephews, great-nephews and greatnieces, cousins and the countless caregivers at Fairlane Nursing Center who helped him over the years. Paul leaves a great legacy of love and strength to his family and his many friends.