Dockery, Joseph Rice

Joseph Rice Dockery was born in 1906 and, after a life of leadership and service, died in 1982. He spent most of his early life on the Dockery Plantation, which was originally bought by his father, Will Dockery, and inherited by Joe in 1936. The plantation, now on the National Register of Historic Places, was home to famous Delta blues musicians such as Charley Patton, Howlin’ Wolf, and Willie Brown.

Joseph Rice Dockery served as Grand Alpha of Chi Phi Fraternity from 1965 until 1969. His administration is noted for its “For the Future” campaign, which funded housing, student loans, scholarships, and study facilities. Dockery also implemented the first leadership program in 1968 at Cornell University, where they practiced effective management techniques. 

Dockery was also a prominent leader of Southern agriculture, especially known for his work with rice. He was one of the first to promote experimentation with rice growing methods in the Mississippi Delta. This qualification led him to becoming president of the National Rice Council. He also served as chairman of the Mississippi Rice Council and the state Rice Promotion Board, organizations that promote agricultural research and rice marketing.