Big Stone Gap, VA – David Shine Dotson, 52, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at UVA Health Systems in Charlottesville, VA. Born in Abingdon, VA, he lived in Cleveland, VA, and graduated from Lebanon High School in 1991. He lived in Appalachia, VA for the past 24 years. Shine, as he was affectionately known, was a general manager and driving instructor for PTI, worked for Riggs Oil, and had most recently been a security guard for Ascott Mining Co. He was a hard worker and always provided for his family. Shine was a loving husband, father, a soon-to-be “Pop-Pop” to a grandson, a sibling and a friend to many. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Shine Dotson and Janice (Ball) Dotson, and his daughter’s Godmother and dear friend, Ellen Greene.
Shine is survived by his wife of 24 years, Crissy Dotson; daughter, Ariel Brooke Kilgore (Austin) and soon-to-be son, A.J. of Wise, VA; siblings, Timothy Dotson (Shawn) of Tell City, IN, Rebecca Bryant (Eric) of Castlewood and Teresa Smith (Frankie) of Cleveland, VA; sister-in-law, Rachel Davidson (Doug). He is also survived by God children, Seaira Slagle (Christian) and children, Arya and Kana, Autumn Mullins (Tommie) and children, Avia and soon-to-be daughter, Iliana, and Serenity Baird, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 12:00-2:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The funeral service will begin at 2:00pm with Rev. Timothy Dotson officiating.
The graveside service will follow at American Legion Cemetery, 5015 Powell Valley Road, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the friends and family of David Shine Dotson.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com.