Orrin Nat Dortch Jr.

Orrin Nat Dortch, Jr., age 80, of Paducah, died at his home on January 25, 2018.

Nat came in with the Flood at Illinois Central Hospital on March 13, 1937, the son of Orrin Nat and Mary Earl Dortch. Preceding him in death were his parents, his second mother Jessie Weir Dortch, his aunt Marion Dortch Anderson.  He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Tilley Dortch, his children Terri Jo and her husband Jeffrey Kent Clark, of Paducah; Orrin Nat (Trip) Dortch and his wife, the former Jenny Griffin, of Paducah; James Edmond (Jay) Dortch and his wife, the former Cheryl Keeton, of Louisville; his grandchildren Zyla Brae and Griffin Zane Dortch, of Paducah, and Logan James and Laurel Elaine Dortch, of Louisville. He is also survived by his sisters Jessiann Dortch McCarthy, of Paducah, and Marion Dortch Rosser and her husband Robert, of Lafayette, Louisiana; his Tilley brothers, Don (Janice), Steve (Renee), of Paducah, Allen (Peggy), and Mike (Charlotte) of Florida; his cousin Georgia Weir Hovekamp, of Kevil; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

Nat graduated from Augusta Tilghman High School, class of 1955, and attended Louisiana State University and the University of Kentucky. At both universities he participated in ROTC and its honor society, the Pershing Rifles. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves 439th Civil Affairs Company.  While stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he volunteered for Jungle Warfare Training in Panama. After completion, he was proud to be awarded the Jungle Expert badge. He also completed CBR training.  He retired as Sergeant-Major from the Army Reserves in 1997 after serving thirty six years.  As a young man, he was an office-holder in local, state, and national Jaycees. His interest in politics led him to manage several political campaigns. He was active in the community, most recently working with Friends of the Library and earning money for The Laurel Foundation at Barbeque on the River.  He was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.

Until his retirement he was employed (CLU and ChFC) by the Equitable Life Assurance Society (now AXA).  Previously he managed operations at W. S. Mathews and Son and was part owner of Purchase Printers.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Nat’s life at the 1857 Hotel, on Saturday, February 3, from 4:00 to 7:00. The Rev. Kempton Baldridge will officiate at a short time of remembrance at five o’clock.  The family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to the Paducah Cooperative Ministry, 402 Legion Lane, Paducah 42003, or to the Laurel Foundation., c/o Terri Clark, 202 Cardinal Lane, Paducah 42001.

Online condolences may be left at www.lindseyfuneral.com

Lindsey Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.