John Orin Dobbs

Mr. John O. Dobbs, of Covington, formerly of Decatur, GA, passed away October 26, 2005, following a courageous battle against cancer.  He was surrounded by members of his loving family at the time of his passing at The Abbey Hospice in Social Circle, GA.  John Orin Dobbs was born December 31, 1924, in Ellijay, GA.  Raised during his formative years in Ellijay, the young man became quite an athlete and led Blue Ridge High School to the state basketball playoffs as a freshman point guard.  His family moved to Atlanta, where John attended Tech High School, starring in both basketball and football, and became known as ?one of the famous Kirkwood boys.?  Following high school, John served in the U. S. Navy, and after World War II attended The University of Georgia, where he was elected President of the Night Student Body.  He graduated in 1955 and was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity.  John had a full and productive professional career thereafter, retiring as National Safety Director with the California-based Clayton Williams Sherwood Company.  John Dobbs never met a stranger, and was a faithful, loyal, and devoted friend to many.  He overcame many obstacles in life. He was an inspiration to those who knew him.  He was a 30 year friend to Bill W.  John Dobbs is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty North Dobbs.  Also surviving are John?s three children, John O. Dobbs, II and his wife, Audrey of The Dominican Republic, Allen Dobbs and his wife Penny of Greenville, SC, and Nancy Dobbs-Stinnett and her husband Bill of Alpharetta, GA.  John has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, along with too many other relativities and friends to list.  The funeral for John O. Dobbs will be held Friday, October 28, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at the A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral home in Decatur, GA.  Rev. Linda Whitmire will officiate.  Interment will follow in the Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Decatur. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Pallbearers are Paul Hinton, Dan Whitmire, Morris Whitmire, Jerry Capes, John Toller and Nat Harwell.  Honorary Pallbearers are Troy Drummond, Terry Ball, Phil Myers and Tom Holmes.  Those desiring may send contributions to The American Cancer Society, 2200 Century Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30345 or to The Abbey Hospice, 215 Azalea Court, Social Circle, 30025.  A. S. Turner & Sons