Keith Dale Dobbins
March 4, 1938 ~ January 8, 2011
ROCKY MOUNT-Keith Dale Dobbins, 72 passed away Saturday, January 8, 2011. He was born March 4, 1938 in Roanoke Rapids to the late Horace and Helen Dobbins. Keith was a retired Building Inspector for Halifax County and a former volunteer of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad. He was the leader of the Boy Scout Explorer Post of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad and a bass player in several bands for most of his life. Keith was also a member of Englewood United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Harriett Mincher Dobbins of the home, daughters, Laurie Dobbins Millar of Rocky Mount, Amy Dobbins Sutton and husband, Darren of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Will White, Mary Beth Sutton and Elliott Sutton; brother, David Dobbins of Roanoke Rapids and a cousin Marcia Royal of Roanoke Rapids.
A service to celebrate the life of Keith Dale Dobbins will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Englewood United Methodist Church with Rev. David Benson and Rev. Tom Bodkin officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Englewood United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804. On-line condolences to the Dobbins family may be made by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com.
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Thursday 1/13, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dobbins family. I have such fond memories of Keith and Harriett and remember well Keith’s mild manner and sincere smile. He will be missed. Harriett, please accept my condolences. Ann Wyche Fitts Taylor
Growing up with Keith and attending Rosemary Baptist Church in RR was a pleasure and also knowing his parents and older brother who I worked with in New Jersey. Another great loss of a very good man. My condolences to the family. Joe Sullivan Greenville, NC
Joe, thank you so much.
Thank you for your kind words.
Simo, he loved you so much. Thanks for all the happiness you gave to him. We love you.
Thank you, he enjoyed your son so much, and also the chance to spend time with you.
Dad was one of those guys who everybody liked. He was easy to be around with and wished only well for those around him. I will miss him.
Our thoughts are with the Dobbins family. We remember Keith as gentle and patient American dad to our son Simo, while he was an exchange student and stayed with the Dobbins family. We are grateful for Keith and Harriett for taking care of Simo. Harriett, we are very sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Dobbins. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He made a great impact on my life and career, let me share my story. There we were, my brother and I, trying to fly this little airplane around in a circle in a small field behind our house on Marshall street. I was around 10-11 years old, my brother about 13. Mr. Dobbins was riding by and saw two young boys that obviously had no idea what they were doing. My brother and I could not get that plane to fly! Mr. Dobbins stopped, got out of his car, and offered to help! I’m glad he did! He had that thing flying in no time! Afterwards, he invited us back to his house. He showed us all his airplanes and cool toys. I thought his yellow J-3 cub hanging from the cieling was the coolest thing ever! I wanted one too! From that day forward, aviation was in my blood! It was the start of a great relationship, one that also included Duke Hoggard, Jim Camp, and a little fella named Chewy. Fastforward to the present, I now am a commercial airline pilot flying for Delta and United. Mr Dobbins had a great impact on my life! He put the passion of airplanes and aviation in me. I still dont have my J-3 Cub hanging from the ceiling of my living room, but one day….. Blue skies and tailwinds, Robert Lancaster
Harriett, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when you and Keith started dating and when you got married. I also remember the girls. I talked to my dad and he told me about Keith. I am so sorry to hear about his death and know just how much you love your family. I would love to hear from you and possibly see you when I am home again. Jane Hux Gennaro
You are in our thoughts!