Retired Maj. Alan James Dover, 61, of Fayetteville, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
Alan was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan. 26, 1962, to the late Richard Conrad Dover and Josephine Aron Dover. Maj. Dover graduated from Ohio State University, where he completed ROTC training and received his commission as an Army infantry officer in 1987. He deployed many times during his military career and retired in 2007 from active duty. Following his military service, he cultivated his love of cooking by attending the New England Culinary Institute, earning the title of chef and becoming an instructor of culinary arts at Fayetteville Technical Community College. His passion for teaching and mentoring others is evident from the support his students have shown and support from the community. Maj. Dover was also an accomplished musician, performing regularly with his friends throughout the Fayetteville area as a bass guitarist. Maj. Dover will be greatly missed by his family and all who know him.
Maj. Dover served in the Army with the utmost honor and distinction, earning the following awards during his military career: Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), South West Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Service Star (3rd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, KU-LIB-MDL (Saudi Arabia), KU-LIB-MDL (Kuwait), Senior Parachutist Badge, German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge Gold, German Military Sportsman Performance Badge Bronze, German Psychological Defense Personnel Badge Bronze.
Maj. Dover is survived by his siblings, Carole Stano of North Royalton, Ohio; Gene Dover (Rosanne) of Westlake, Ohio; Janice Dover Haning (Don) of Columbus, Ohio; Lynne Fischer (Frank) of Medina, Ohio; Gary Dover (Roxane) of Franklin, Tennessee; Tom Dover (Mary) of Valencia, Pennsylvania; Jay Dover of Los Angeles, California; and Michelle Guerin of Westlake, Ohio; and many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and one great-grandnephew.
A Celebration of Life service will be held in Fayetteville at a later date.
Maj. Dover will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
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