George Lane Dodgen

George Lane Dodgen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away surrounded by family and love. A man of unwavering integrity, strength, and humility, George spent his life lifting others up, shaping young athletes, and leading with quiet example rather than spotlight.

Born the first of four children, George learned the meaning of hard work early in life. He excelled in athletics — especially wrestling — and competed with grit, discipline, and heart. He wrestled for Trinidad State College on scholarship and later attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana. His passion for the sport continued throughout his life as he coached generations of wrestlers at the Maverick Boys Club, helping shape countless young men and women into strong athletes and even stronger people.

George worked with his hands and built his life on effort, craftsmanship, and pride. Over the years he worked as a bricklayer, contractor, home rehab specialist, Real-estate Investor and with the railroad, always leading by example and never shying away from a hard day’s work. He believed in doing things the right way — with honesty, patience, and persistence.

A lifelong outdoorsman, George found peace in the mountains, joy in fishing and hunting, and laughter sitting around a campfire with people he loved. He could play cards with the best of them and never turned down a dare or a bet. Known for his playful spirit, he loved to pull pranks and make people laugh — and took special pride in a good scare followed by an even better laugh.

George was fearless, loyal, and endlessly giving. He would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation. He lived for his family and cherished every moment — from cheering at sporting events, to coaching, to sharing wisdom behind the scenes. He treasured children and the elderly, treating all people with dignity and kindness. Those who knew him saw a protector, a mentor, a leader, and a truly good man.

Sports were woven into his life. He had a love for Wrestling, Sambo, Judo, Golden Gloves boxing, and, most of all, watching and supporting his children and grandchildren in their passions. He loved watching kids compete, especially those at Maverick, where he proudly supported a legacy of effort, toughness, and sportsmanship.

Above all, George loved fiercely. He was a devoted husband, marrying the love of his life, Albie, on May 15, 2021, and a proud father who led with strength, humor, and humility. His quiet goodbye was always Irish in spirit — steady, heartfelt, meaningful. He didn’t need recognition; he only needed to know he made a difference. And he did — in every room he walked into, every kid he encouraged, and every life he touched.

George’s legacy will live on through the lessons he taught, the strength he instilled, and the countless memories filled with laughter, adventure, and love. His motto was simple: work hard, help others, live fully, and always stand up for what’s right.

A mountain of a man with a heart just as big — he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

George is survived by his wife Albie Gonzales of Amarillo; his uncle J.B. Lane of Amarillo; his sister Kathy and husband Norman Carnahan of Spring, Texas; and his children, Tana Garcia and husband Benny Garcia of Amarillo, Daniel Dodgen and wife Courtnie Dodgen of Amarillo, Matthew Dodgen and Chelsea Colarelli of Amarillo, Mark Dodgen and wife Nikki Dodgen of Amarillo, Michael Gonzales of Amarillo, Matthew Gonzales and wife Sheryl Gonzales of Amarillo, Karen Tucker and husband Dustin Tucker of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jennifer James and husband Jordan James of Amarillo, Kristen Gonzales of Amarillo, and Tristen Gonzales and Sheridan McKay of Springville, Arkansas. George’s legacy continues through his beloved grandchildren, Kayla and husband Austin, Parker and wife Morgan, Leah, Lauren, Lane, Perry, Lyric, Gabe, Devyn, Brayden, Logan, Emilyn, Brylie, Bryce, Nash, Blake, Addison, Aileen, and Kayli; and his great-grandchildren: Cohen, Sawyer, Aubrey, Thomas, and Everly.

He is preceded in death by his father Paul C. Dodgen and Mother Jane Ann Smith, as well as his two brothers Paul “Bubba” Dodgen and Steve Dodgen.

Memorial service will be at 5:00 PM, Friday, November 7, 2025 at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.