Jerry Dodgen, born May 19th 1934, grew up in the shadow of Loray Mill (Gastonia, North Carolina) just after its purchase by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. His mother died when he was two years old and his father, who worked in the Mill, raised Jerry and his brothers and sisters with the help of family and friends. Jerry quit school in the ninth grade and went to work. He became an accomplished amateur and professional boxer and overcoming his lack of formal education. Jerry found success as a hospital administrator and as owner of Parker-D Fence Company. He remains active in his semi-retirement managing residential real estate.