Harold Dobbs

Harold L. Dobbs, 89 beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Miss.

He died of a worn out, but very large and well used heart. He was a larger-than-life renowned story teller, self-styled amateur historian and a huge fan of Jerry Clower (often heard to quote “knock him out John – just shoot up amongst us – one of us got to have some relief”).

Harold was born in Macon, Miss. On Dec 13, 1929 and resided there until he was thirteen. His family moved to Lowndes County in 1943 and operated a Grade “A” Dairy farm in the Old Plymouth community on Old West Point road (now the West Bank)

He was a 1947 graduate of S.D. Lee High School in Columbus, Miss. Shortly after graduation he left Columbus for Chicago, Ill to seek his fortune but found his greatest treasure there, his beautiful bride, Sally. Harold and Sally married on “Flag Day” June 14, 1952 in Chicago and resided in that area until 1956, at which time they returned to Columbus, Miss to help his parents manage the family farm and dairy.

He was employed at American Bosch, later (United Technologies). He was a Tool & Dye maker at Bosch and served as President of the Local Union until being promoted to management. He was also a 32 ^nd Degree Mason and member of the local Shriner’s Hamasa Temple.

He briefly returned to Chicago for a four-year stint at Owens-Illinois/Libby Glass Co., but again returned to Columbus in 1967 to Bosch/UT.

Harold was also an educator, having taught Machining at Golden Triangle Vocational/Technical School at Mayhew, Miss for several years and is well remembered by his students

He retired as Director of Human Resources for Beloit-Manhattan/Metso International Corp. and also served as a member of Columbus/Lowndes Area Management for the Golden Triangle Development Center.

Out of all his achievements, he valued his service to the Lord and his love of family. He was a lifetime member of the 7 ^th St Church of Christ in Columbus, his family having helped found the congregation. His presence there was large where he served faithfully and tirelessly first as a Deacon, then Elder. He always lived “his truth”.

Harold was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served overseas in the U.K. and Scotland after WWII. He achieved the Rank of Bosun’s mate and assistant to the Captain’s Steward.

He will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, quick wit and his love of storytelling; especially his retelling of Br’er Rabbit’s escapades to his children & grandchildren.

Some of his best advice, given often and freely was: “When life gets tough, be like the old mule eating briers – pull back your lips and chew!!”

He is pre-deceased by his parents Reuben N. (Dick) Dobbs and Katherine “Edna” Allsup. His brothers, Richard A. Dobbs and Robert N Dobbs. His son, Nathan B. Dobbs, and son-in-law Rick Rodriguez.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Sally, his brother, Alfred Conway “Al” Dobbs (June), his five children, Melyssa Rodriguez, Harold Dallas Dobbs (Jerri), Randal “Randy” Dobbs (Lynn), James A. Dobbs, and Sallie Griffeth (Kent). His ten grandchildren and spouses, his twelve great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins galore and everyone he knew and loved.

Join us in mourning his loss and celebrating his life Friday, March 29 ^th , at 7 ^th Street Church of Christ Columbus, Miss with Minister Billy Ferguson officiating. Viewing at the church from 12:30 pm – 2 pm; service @ 2pm followed by Interment with U.S. Navy Honors at Memorial Gardens of Columbus. Flowers can be sent to Memorial/Gunter & Peel Funeral Home; 716 2 ^nd Ave N Columbus, MS 39701.