Columbus Phelma "Joe" Dobbins

Mr. Columbus Phelma "Joe" Dobbins, 89, of Raleigh, died peacefully at home Saturday, 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 MP during World War II stationed in the Yukon Territory. He was totally enamored with his bride 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 a daughter, Teresa Dobbins Crotts.

Surviving family members are his wife of 69 years, Velma; two daughters, Vaneda Hess and her husband Don, of Raleigh, Jo Mangum and her husband Tom, of Raleigh; one son, Steve Dobbins and his wife Lynda, of Charlotte; son-in-law Bud Crotts of Ellenboro; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at Millbrook United Methodist Church, under the direction of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Salem United Methodist Church Cemetery. The Rutherford County Honor Guard will provide Military Rites at the grave.

Friends may call from 8 AM until 12:30PM Thursday at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Millbrook United Methodist Church, 1713 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living of North Hills and Wake County Hospice.