Obituary

William f. “bill” dobbs, sr. Kept his great sense of humor and fierce intellect until the end at age 95. All who knew him were enriched by his love of life, interest in people and unbridled optimism. He never met a stranger and in the process handed out thousands of peppermints to children, friends, family, and new acquaintances. He died of heart failure thursday, august 3, just days after attending a neighborhood party and birthday celebration where he sang his final song and gave his final speech. His dogwood road neighbors named him the “mayor of dogwood” and he valued the neighborhood fellowship immensely.

Bill was born in new jersey, lived all over the west as a child and graduated from high school in colorado at age 16 as valedictorian of his class. He received a degree in chemical engineering from the university of colorado and was hired by dupont’s belle plant to manufacture nylon. During world war ii, he was involved in classified research on the newly developed radar at the naval research labs in washington, d.C.

Bill met the love of his life, alice schofield “sally” dobbs during leave from the navy at the “old swimming hole” in pompton lakes, new jersey. They were married and bill brought sally to charleston, where they spent the rest of their lives. Despite career opportunities elsewhere, they remained committed to their lives in west virginia. Sally preceded bill in death and although he always missed his “sweetie” her spirit inspired him to live life to the fullest.   the care sally received from hospice motivated bill to become a volunteer. Visiting with patients and family members and singing a song or two was a great source of fulfillment.

Bill was a lifelong and devoted member of st. Matthews episcopal church. He regularly took photographs at church events and enjoyed handing them out along with peppermints every sunday. His favorite pastimes included gardening, surf fishing, and socializing with friends over a cocktail. Bill also enjoyed spending winters in vero beach, florida widening his circle of friends and volunteering at hospice while there.

Bill is survived by his sons, william, jr. And his wife, amy, and james and his wife kim; by grandchildren lindsey chase and husband brian, william f., iii and wife erin, lisa bizzell and husband khary, victoria, and james and wife, shayla; and by great-grandchildren, madeline, lacey, wesley, kaysen, patrick and fisher.

Memorial service will be 2:00 p.M. Tuesday, august 8, 2017 at st. Matthews episcopal church, charleston with the reverend alan k. Webster officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, monday, august 7, 2017 at barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made in memory of bill to: hubbard hospice house, 1606 kanawha blvd w, charleston, wv 25387 or to st. Matthews episcopal church, 36 norwood rd, charleston, wv 25314.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com .

Barlow bonsall funeral home, charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.