Columbus
Phelma "Joe" Dobbins, 89, died peacefully at home January 22, 2011 after a
long illness surrounded by family.
He was born in Rutherford County on June 19, 1921 to a farmer and his wife.
He grew up on the farm and served in the US Army as an M.P. during World War
II stationed in the Ukon Territory. He was totally enamored with his bride
to be when they met in 1941 on a blind date and married 18 months later.
Joe owned an insurance company, O'Donnell, Lefort, Dobbins in Raleigh and
even after his retirement in 1986, he prided himself in continuing to work
part time until his declining health in 2009. Other than his family his
primary love was golf and he was a charter member of North Ridge Country
Club. He enjoyed the fellowship of his buddies regardless of the weather or
how well he played. He was preceded in death by his daughter Teresa Dobbins
Crotts. Surviving family members are his wife of 69 years, Velma, 3 children
Vaneda Hess and husband, Don, of Raleigh, Steve Dobbins and wife Lynda of
Charlotte, and Jo Mangum and husband, Tom, of Raleigh and son-in-law Bud
Crotts of Ellenboro, NC. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 6 great
grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at
Millbrook United Methodist Church, 1713 E. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC
27609. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at
the church. A graveside service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, January 27,
2011 at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Millbrook Methodist Church,
Raleigh, NC. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of
Sunrise Assisted Living of North Hills and Wake County Hospice
