Our Team

Brent L. Dotson

CEO & Funeral Director

Brent was born and raised in Maryville and graduated from Heritage High School. He went on to earn a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Although he grew up in the funeral business, he didn’t decide to pursue it as a career until after losing a close friend at the age of 20.

He went on to obtain his Funeral Director's license, receiving a commendation from the State Board based upon his excellent score on the examination. He is also a Certified Cremation Specialist and a Certified Preplanning Consultant.

Brent is the son of the founders of Dotson Funeral Home, Clarence O. (Buddy) Dotson and Jeweldene Williamson Dotson, who established the funeral home in the Wildwood community of Maryville, TN, in 1979.

His parents believed that the best care during a time of loss would come from one family to another, which is why Dotson Funeral Home has remained a true family business. Today, Brent and Sarah continue that tradition, working together to serve the community with the same care and dedication. As one of the only family-owned funeral homes in the area, they are proud to carry on their family’s mission of providing compassionate, personalized service to those in need.

Brent is a history scholar, enjoys classic cars & trucks, hiking, working in the yard, staying fit, and reading as much as possible.

Telephone: 1-865-984-5959

Email: 

Brian L. Buckmon

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Brian L. Buckmon, LFD, Embalmer, LIA and Notary, a native of Knoxville,   He has more than 25 years of experience in the Mortuary Profession.  Mr. Buckmon is an honor graduate of  Mid America College of Funeral Service.  He received the college's "Bill Pierce Award" and served as College Chaplin.  He was a Junior Artist of Pi Sigma Eta, National Fraternity.

Brian is a retired U.S. Army veteran, who served with the U.S. Army during the Gulf War.  He was stationed at U.S. Army Mortuary, Frankfort, Germany then he served as Mortuary Manager for the U.S. Army Mortuary in Vincenza, Italy, for two and a half years.  His awards include Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal.  We are proud to have Brian as part of our family.

Telephone: 1-865-984-5959

Eleanor Harrill

Funeral Attendant

Mrs. Harrill was the co-owner of Harrill Funeral Home, founded by her late husband, Walter Harrill, in 1963, which merged with Dotson Funeral Home in 1992. With her extensive experience in the funeral industry, she developed a deep understanding of the burial process and a passion for offering compassionate care to those grieving the loss of a loved one. She graduated from Everett High School and Knoxville Business College and has worked at various places, including the U.T. Library, Perry Real Estate, First Tennessee Bank, and K-Mart, alongside her work at the funeral home.

A devoted Christian and member of Everett Hills Baptist Church, Mrs. Harrill is dedicated to serving others with empathy, love, care, and respect. She has always been there for her family and friends, offering support during times of need. She is blessed with a daughter, Dr. Maria Cole, and her husband, Dr. Tim Cole, who work at Kansas University in Forensic Science and give back through charitable work.

Her life's goal is to handle every situation with dignity, grace, and God's guidance.

Larry and Nyoka Helton

Funeral Assistants

Larry and Nyoka were married shortly after graduating from Porter High School in 1968. They are the proud parents of two sons, Josh (Cissie) and Jason (Connie), and grandparents to four grandchildren: Kayla, Katelyn, Ben, and Hannah.

Active members of Freedom to Worship Church in Maryville, Larry and Nyoka are dedicated to serving others, often working behind the scenes to help those in need.

Nyoka has a passion for working with flowers and cooking, while Larry enjoys trading all kinds of treasures and connecting with people. Together, they continue to make a positive impact on their community through their kindness and hard work.