Herbert (Herb) Eugene Dozier, Jr. (also known as Bear, Big Daddy, Poppaw, or Babe), a loving husband, father, poppaw, and devoted Christian passed away peacefully at UK Medical Center under Hospice Care on March 8, 2026, at the age of 58. Herb was surrounded by his family and some of his closest friends, all of which he loved dearly. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 20, 1967; however, Herb lived in Bronston, Ky most of his life.
Herb was known for his big heart, bandanas, his deep voice, and his love for music, sports, Star Wars and teddy bears.
Herb leaves behind his wife, Tammie Ava Warman Dozier, of Bronston, whom he married on October 1, 2011. Herb is survived by his children, Hannah (Aaron) Eldridge of Somerset, Ky; Telvis (Jarrod) Emerson of Somerset, Ky; and Megan Richardson of Bronston, Ky; his grandchildren, Hunter and Elijah Watkins, Blaise and Jordyn Eldridge, and Tariel and Kallie Emerson; one sibling, Sharon (David) Vanhoosier; a nephew, David Adam (Daphne) Vanhoosier; and a niece, Terra Cranford. He also leaves behind a host of other family members and friends, including his LIFE Church family and LIFE Church Small Group.
Herb is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Eugene Dozier, Sr. and Mildred Jones Dozier, and one brother, Terry White.
Herb worked for the Pulaski County Board of Education for 20 plus years as a custodian, he retired in May 2022. He made many friends and lots of memories within those years, many memories he still talked about often. In Herb’s early years, he worked at Frisch’s Big Boy as a kitchen leader where he also made many friends and memories, including teaching the owner’s young son the ropes of running a kitchen, and that friendship still continues today.
Herb’s hobbies include sitting in his recliner at home watching wrestling, watching Cincinnati Bengals football, and the UK Wildcats basketball team, or any other sports related show, and often binge-watched Netflix series with Tammie. Herb loved spending time with his girls, his sons-in-law, and his grandchildren. He loved Saturday morning football, watching his grandsons play for Northern Elementary and he loved traveling to different cities and states to watch his granddaughters compete in dance competitions. Herb also enjoyed hanging out with his friends and his LIFE Church Small Group, whether they were going to dinner and the movies, handing out popsicles at the park, or at each other’s house just fellowshipping and eating good food (BBQ).
Herb’s favorite pastime was little getaways to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with the love of his life, his wife Tammie, whom he shared a special bond with, and a love that could be witnessed on their faces. They would spend many hours driving around “Bear Hunting” or just sitting on their hotel or cabin balcony listening to and watching the Little Pigeon River flow by, watching the ducks, squirrels, and other wildlife. Herb enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and good food.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LIFE Church Missions Team or LIFE Church Youth Group. Herb and Tammie enjoyed supporting the Missions Team and Youth Group. They loved spending time with their church youth group and every Wednesday evening after church, during the summer, Herb and Tammie could be found at Dairy Queen with the teenagers from Life Church Youth, along with several other adults who enjoyed hanging out with the youth as well.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Harris and Bro. Isaiah Super officiating. Burial will follow in Southern Oaks Cemetery. Southern Oaks Cemetery is entrusted with the arrangements for Herb Dozier.