Ronald Dotson Jr.

Ronald Dale Dotson Jr. (Lil’ Ron, Ron) was born on August 2, 1974, on Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and the Lord was with him. His parents were the young married couple, Priscilla ‘Sutton’ (18 years old) and Ronald Dale Dotson Sr. (20 years old). Not long after his birth Lil’ Ron and his parents were moving to Colorado Springs, Colorado when the car that they were relying on to get them to their new home broke down. Pulled over on the side of the road, Ronald Sr. looked under the hood and Priscilla prayed while holding Lil’ Ron. In the mist of Priscilla’s prayers, a stranger dressed in pure white appeared, they touched the car and it began to run, then the stranger was gone.

Blessed-the family reached Colorado Springs where Ron would grow up. Safeguarded by a village of faithful loved ones and dedicated parents, Ron grew to recognize the hand of the Lord that would preserve him all his life. Baptized at an early age, Ron was filled with the Holy Spirit. A zealous child it was not uncommon for Lil’ Ron to shepherd his playground friends into his home to hear the gospel.

Ron was the oldest of five brothers. He was very protective of his brothers. But it was also his duty, as the oldest, to torture his brothers with spit wads and to use them as his guinea pigs to practice Bruce Lee techniques on.

God planted a gift and passion for music in Ron’s soul. Before he could walk Ron began playing melodies on pots and pans, then as a small child he mimicked the hand motions of his father while playing the bongos. He would then grow to joyously praise the Lord while playing percussion at his church, Bethsaida Temple Christian Church in Denver.

Ron graduated from Montbello High School with honors and lettered in the marching band. As a left-handed drummer, he mastered both the quads and the snare drum, which required much discipline. He was also a talented leader in the dance troop of Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives that his mother co-founded. By the time he was an adult, Ron could play all percussion instruments and most string instruments. Ronald enrolled in Pikes Peak Community College’s music program where he starred in performances, as a left-handed drummer, and earned many accolades and acknowledgement for his gift. Most musicians learn to first play an instrument by reading and playing notes repeatedly-passionately. Ron did not read notes, he relied on his ears, eyes, and heart to play, rhythm and melody poured from him effortlessly. Even when without a drum-set, he still made music using his God given instruments-his hands and his ears.

Popular and charismatic, Ron was favored among his peers, especially among the young ladies. While working at a call center for the summer a 21-year-old, Ron met 17 year old, LaShonda ‘Haas’, the love of his life. Ron and LaShonda became best friends and sooner than later they would become a couple, their partnership would last for 15 years. LaShonda would bless Ron with two heirs, their beautiful daughters-Kashmiere Narie and Khyleaha Sharee Dotson.

Naturally, Ron’s life was forever changed when he became a father. His parenting style was open and raw, sometimes to a fault, but it helped shape the character of his children and he was proud of who his kids were and of what they would become. Ron showed his children who he was often expressing his emotions, thoughts, and inner beliefs to them on car rides. He enjoyed nature and shared that with his children, he took them to national parks, the mountains, and to feed ducks often. Ron also enjoyed taking care of exotic fish and plants. Ron did not religiously attend church as an adult; instead, he preferred to nurture his faith and relationship with God through prayer, education, study, and reflection on his life. He taught his children to do the same. He loved his children more than anything and was not afraid to express it through hugs and tears. Admirably, he was very open to his children about his mistakes, which in return caused them to see his transparent and genuine soul and growth as a man.

He worked many part-time and full-time jobs before finding his niche as a driver. Ron was charming and respectful to those who respected him, this made him an excellent cab driver. He worked for Yellow Cab for over 10 years. Eventually he owned his cab and became an independent contractor. He took pride in his cab keeping it clean and smelling delicious. He was very compassionate and often serviced the sometimes-overlooked populations such as homeless individuals, the elderly, and single parents. Honorably, as a cab driver Ron helped to evacuate many displaced families during the Colorado Wildfire Crisis in 2012.

Ron had a great work ethic, not even the pandemic could stop him. The desire for lifestyle changes and lost opportunities, due to the COVID-19 crisis, led Ron to Georgia in April 2020. Two days after his arrival Ron found work with temporary jobs on construction sites, a car auction, and part-time butcher at Kroger’s Grocery chain. With the change of scenery, new jobs, and reduction of stress Ron was flourishing, God was with him. When he wasn’t working, he often enjoyed fishing and spending time with family in Georgia and video calling his daughter, Kashmiere. Ron left this world unexpectedly on February 13, 2021, guided by the visible hand of God he entered the afterlife. It is rumored that he is now in paradise playing sweet melodies unto the Lord.   Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include two daughters, Kashmiere N. Dotson and Khylieaha Dotson; his parents, Priscilla (Ghais) Shakir; stepfather, Elder Leon H. Kelly, Jr.; four brothers, Rhidale Dotson, Raymond, E. Dotson, Reginald I. Dotson, Rashawn I Dotson; his grandmother, Gracie Jean Clay; stepsisters, stepbrothers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends.