Cleveland Dodds Jr.

The Life and Legacy of Cleveland Dodds Jr.

Cleveland Dodds Jr., departed this life on June 16, 2026, at the age of 45. Born on November 9, 1980, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cleveland lived a life marked by faith, resilience, musical excellence, and a deep love for family, ministry, and community.

Cleveland was born to Cleveland Dodds Sr. and Kathy Wilson. As a young child, he was a profound athlete-he played lots of sports including baseball, football and basketball. He attended Withrow High School, where he continued to excel as a student athlete, playing football and forming friendships that would last a lifetime. Known for his infectious personality, warm spirit, and genuine heart, he was loved by classmates, teammates, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Following high school, he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio to further his education.

At an early age, Cleveland accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and began a lifelong journey of faith and service. He faithfully matriculated through Samaria Early Church of God in Christ (ECOGIC), where his musical gifts were nurtured and developed under the pastorate of the Late Pastor Joyce E. Raglin. Throughout his life, he used those gifts to serve countless churches, choirs, ministries, and community organizations. His most recent ministry assignment was at Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued to faithfully serve through music and worship while his health allowed.

Music was not simply something Cleveland did, it was who he was. Blessed with an extraordinary ear for music, he possessed the rare ability to play virtually any instrument and was known for his powerful and soulful singing voice. Whether seated behind a keyboard, directing a choir, leading worship, ministering through song, or performing on stage, Cleveland’s passion for music touched countless lives.

Throughout his musical journey, Cleveland served with numerous choirs, gospel groups, and ministries. He founded and directed United Praise, The Camp, On the 1, and later created Music Maniac LLC. He also had the opportunity to collaborate with countless musicians and singers throughout the region. In later years, he became known to many by his stage name, “Wine9,” continuing to share his creativity, artistry, and love for music with audiences near and far.

In addition to his musical ministry, Cleveland had a genuine love for children and education. He devoted part of his professional career to serving as an educator at Rothenberg Academy, where he positively impacted the lives of many students through his kindness, encouragement, and dedication. Whether in the classroom, the choir stand, or behind a keyboard, Cleveland had a unique ability to connect with people and leave a lasting impression.

Although Cleveland faced significant health challenges throughout his life, he never allowed his illness to define him. He met every obstacle with courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith. He was working on a documentary to bring awareness to his condition and the journey that he had endured. Even during difficult seasons, he continued to minister, teach, encourage others, and pursue his passions. While his earthly battle has ended, his victory is complete, for he has received the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

Above all else, Cleveland treasured his family. He was a devoted father who loved his children deeply and found great joy in their lives and accomplishments. His love, wisdom, humor, and presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Cleveland was preceded in death by his grandfather; Cleveland Harrison, grandmother; Mattie Mae Wilson, uncle; Alfred Wilson, cousins; Taralynn Bowers and Latonya Dodds.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, Cleveland Dodds III and Serenity Mae Dodds; his mother, Kathy Wilson; his father, Cleveland Dodds Sr.; Grandmother: Gwendolyn Harrison, his sisters: Jasmine Brown and Kayla Hubbard, aunts: Rebecca Dodds-Toro, Benita Dodds, Shari Harrison, Ada Jackson, Darleen Wilson, and Darletha Wilson, uncle Michael Dodds, God mother Stella McClendon and God-daughter Deairr Broomes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, fellow musicians, students, colleagues, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Though our hearts grieve his absence, we rejoice in the life he lived, the music he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind. The melodies he played on earth may have fallen silent, but they now join the heavenly chorus above.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Matthew 25:23

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