“I want people to appreciate what they’ve had here because it’s a lot.”
Dewayne Dodgin’s words perfectly encapsulate how he approaches his work at Fort Worth Country Day. It reflects his commitment to creating an environment that people value and appreciate.
Dodgin has been the FWCD Grounds Supervisor for 14 years, overseeing maintenance and landscaping on campus. He sees his work as more than a job—it is about nurturing a community.
“It’s just like a family,” Dodgin said. “People are so nice.”
His enthusiasm for his work stems first and foremost from his commitment to Country Day.
“Everything is changing all the time […] Nothing is ever boring. There is always something to do,” Dodgin said.
And to think that his own personal roots in the Fort Worth area was the catalyst for it all. His long-standing friendship with co-workers from plant operations Clovis Murphree and Johnny Evans presented him the opportunity to start a career at Country Day after owning a fence business for eight years.
“Clovis and Johnny… we’ve known each other since we were in elementary school,” Dodgin said. “I just saw [Clovis] at one of our kids’ little plays… and he said he needed some help, and I could do that.”
Murphree reminisces about their younger days, playing football, getting trucks muddy, and going hunting and fishing together. He admires Dodgin’s work ethic and considers him a true friend and brother.
“If I need some kind of help, especially if there’s something really heavy or something really hard, I can call Dewayne, and he’ll drop what he’s doing and come run, take care of me, and I’ll do the same thing for him because I just love that man,” Murphree said.
Dodgin is a principled, family-oriented man who prioritizes his loved ones above personal ambitions.
“Dewayne went to college for two years […] but his father came to him and said, ‘Dewayne, I’m losing my business. You gotta quit college and come back and work for me.’ And Dewayne did just that,” Murphree said.
Dodgin not only enjoys the dynamic nature of his job and the friendly work environment, but also has a passion for the outdoors. He is active, nature-loving, and values experiences and family connections.
“I love to fish […] that is probably my biggest hobby […] I love going to national parks and state parks […] I love the mountains and the beach,” Dodgin said. “I love being outside, period.”
It is not surprising that visiting all of the national parks is one of his many goals, but what is surprising is the extent of his family roots in the Fort Worth area.
“I love my grandkids,” Dodgin said. “I’m fixing to have eight grandkids.”
Murphree describes Dodgin as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who is always willing to help.
“He loves his wife dearly,” Murphree said. “He loves his grandkids and his children, and he’s just a go-getter. […] His wife said, ‘I don’t like the brick on the house.’ So Dewayne, by himself with a sledgehammer, took every brick off of that house, hired dumpsters, filled them up, and had them hauled off. He even bought brand new brick that his wife liked and re-bricked the whole house.”
Dodgin is one of FWCD’s unsung heroes. He is committed to creating a welcoming space for students and faculty and hopes to be remembered for the campus’ beauty.
“I want people to remember that the campus looked really nice when I was here. Hopefully, when I’m gone, it will still look nice.”
Murphree portrays Dodgin as a hardworking individual who embodies integrity, kindness, and a deep commitment to his community and friends.
“The good Lord definitely made him to make clean money with dirty hands,” Murphree said. “My life has been better knowing Dewayne.”
