Robert S. Dobbins

 

Robert S. Dobbins of Goldsboro, North Carolina, died on May 1, 2001 while surrounded by his family. Born on June 29, 1929, he was 71.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Dobbins served in the U.S. Air Force from May 1952, when he was commissioned, until July 1980, when he retired. During his Air Force career, he was stationed, among other places, at Langley, Eglin, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Bases, and he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was assigned to Headquarters TAC for approximately 6 years, where he was responsible for developing contingency planning requirements for civil engineering and directly involved with the Prime BEEF program. In 1974, he was assigned to Seymour Johnson as the Squadron Commander of the 4^th Civil Engineering Squadron and Base Civil Engineer, where he continued to serve until he retired in 1980 with 28 years of active military service. He then accepted employment as a civilian for an additional 7 years with the 4^th Civil Engineering Squadron as Chief of Environmental & Programming.

While on active duty, Lieutenant Colonel Dobbins was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the President of the Republic of the Philippines; The Meritorious Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster); The Air Force Commendation Medal (with three oak leaf clusters); and the Bronze Star Medal.

Born in Caroleen, he was a native of North Carolina. He attended N.C. State University, from which he graduated in 1952 with a BS in Civil Engineering. Upon graduating, he was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Air Force and embarked upon a distinguished and lengthy career. After retiring, he was able to enjoy many hours developing and pursuing the true passion which he had for gardening.

He is survived by his widow, Barbara S. Dobbins, who resides in Goldsboro, five children, Catherine Foster of Goldsboro, Linda Laumann of Chesapeake, Virginia, Patricia Eglinton of New Bern, Kenneth Dobbins of Hillsborough and Nancy Henderson of Grantham, three stepchildren, Janice Hale of Zebulon, Ray Smeltzer of Goldsboro and Cindy Lynch of Zebulon, and 15 grandchildren. He also is survived by his mother, Nellie R. Dobbins, and sister, Marguerite D. Garner, both of Sanford. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth M. Dobbins, and first wife, Betty S. Dobbins.

The family will receive friends from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2001 at Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro and other times at the residence, 1216 Woodford Court, Goldsboro.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2001 at 3 p.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Laurinburg with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Adamsville Baptist Church Music Ministry, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534, to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Ct., Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534, or to a charity of your choice.