William "Bill" Lawrence Dortch

William "Bill" Lawrence Dortch, a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on January 23, 2025, at Ivy Springs of Buford, Buford, Georgia while in memory care.

At the age of 18 on January 23, 1959, Bill enlisted in the Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer four as a Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent.  While in the US Army Bill served in the Vietnam War, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal , the Army Commendation Medal , National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Services Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 campaigns), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with the Palm and several Good Conduct Medals.

Bill is survived by his wife Merrily Dortch, his son David Dortch, his stepson Keith Littman, grandchildren DeShawn Dortch, Deja Dortch, his sisters Tina Rutledge, Geraldine Andrews, Melody Graham, brothers Clarence Steen and Michael Steen, A host of nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by parents: Clarence and Louise Dortch, his siblings Lewis, Lamont, Byron, Gregory, Lorraine Steen and Althea Robinson.

His loved ones will remember him for his generosity to his family, his friends, his fellow work friends and his great love for children. Bill would always bring gifts of food, candy, clothes and toys for his loved ones as well as for many neighborhood children where he and Merrily lived.  He loved telling stories and had an incredible laugh that no one will ever forget. He loved reading, spending time in the library, and increasing his knowledge by continued education.  Bill obtained his Master's of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, located in Columbus, Georgia.

A viewing and service honoring Bill will take place at Mount Paran Church 2055 Mount Paran Road, Atlanta, Georgia at 9:30am on February 7, 2025, with the burial following at The Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at 2:30pm the same day. Funeral arrangements are provided by Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory and Mount Paran Church. 

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.