Min. Tony Dodson was born in Nashville, Tennessee on May 11, 1958, the first child of three born to Dorothy Lee Holman. He has a sister, Patina Ann, and a brother Bobby Laveil. Min. Dodson spent his formative years in Nashville, Tennessee, where he graduated from Peal High School.

He attended Tennessee State University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology before entering the U.S. Army in 1976. During his tenure in the United States Quartermaster Corp Regiment, he received many awards. The awards he received were: Certificates of Achievements, Memorandums of Appreciation, Letters of Appreciation, Certificates of Training, and Certificates for Course Completion. Min. Dodson successfully completed a number of Military Schools.

While serving in the Army, Min. Dodson also received many awards in the sport of Bodybuilding: 1st Place and Best Poser Middleweight 1990 Bitburg, 1st Place Middleweight and Best Overall Poser 1989, 1st Place Middleweight and Overall Best Poser and Overall Winner which comes with the title of Mr. Ft. Bragg 1994-1995, and in the Japan Open in 1997, he was the 1st Place Middleweight Winner.
Also, during his time in the Army, Min. Dodson became a Mason, and he quickly moved up the ranks and become one of the youngest ever to receive the following appointments: Worshipful Master, Past Master, Assistant District Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand Master, District Deputy Grand High Priest, and District Deputy Grand Eminent Commander. Min. Dodson became a member of the Noble order of the Mystic Shrine and he is a Sublime Prince of the Royal Serret Mason, where he received his 32nd Degree. Min. Dodson is also a Past Worthy Patron Order of the Eastern Stars. All of this was done under the jurisdiction of Maryland, Prince Hall Affiliate.

After serving in the army for over 22 years and being honorably discharged, Min. Dodson started fellowshipping with NLBC in 2003 and in 2005 he became a member of the New Life Family. In 2007 and 2008, he was selected as the New Life Men's Ministry President. Min. Dodson served as president for 3 years.
In June 2009, Min. Dodson joined the New Life Praise Team.

On April 11, 2010, Min. Dodson answered the call and delivered his initial sermon. He now serves as one of the ministers of NLBC.  Min. Dodson met his wife, Dana, who is also a member of the New Life Praise Team. They were married on July 31, 2010.

Min. Dodson has over 32 years of knowledge as it pertains to the positions in management. He is an exercise counselor with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing. His technical skills are: material manager, computer operator, supply manager, training manager, personnel manager, material procurement, material distribution, warehouse operations, resource management, budget manager, instructor, contract oversight and comptroller.

Min. Dodson is currently retired and enjoying it.