Billy R. Dobbins

Billy R. Dobbins, age 90, of Hiram, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023. He was born May 1, 1933, to the late J.A. Dobbins and the late Eunice Garmon Dobbins.

Billy and his wife, Ellen, were long-time members of First Baptist Church of Lithia Springs. He dedicated his life to the service of others and was a loyal friend to many.  Answering the Nation’s call to duty, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952, serving both ashore and abroad for four years until he returned home to Georgia in 1956 as an Airman.  He continued his legacy of service through his work with Southern Bell, serving as a devoted team member for the next 30 years.  In his retirement, he enjoyed many activities, such as traveling the country in his RV with his beautiful Bride, visiting with friends during weekly breakfast outings, and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Billy cherished many fond memories of attending the annual strawberry festival, had a deep appreciation for historical sites and museums and always kept up with the latest happenings of the USS Kearsarge. One of his most cherished experiences was participating in Sunday school where he formed many lasting friendships.

Throughout his life, Billy took great pride in accomplishing personal milestones. One of his proudest achievements was traveling to every state in the United States (except Alaska). He had an adventurous spirit that yearned for new experiences and thrived on discovering the beauty within each state. He also found immense joy in camping amidst the North Georgia Mountains.

In addition to his parents, Billy is preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ellen Parr Dobbins, and his sister Doris Dobbins Davis.

Billy is survived by his daughters, Pam (Ed) Payne and Patti Dobbins; grandchildren, Kristi (Brian) Snead, Craig (Ticia) Payne, Brian Williams, LNCS Tara Holley, USN and her husband MMNCM Jay Holley, USN; great-grandchildren, Jackson Payne, Sophia Snead, Jocelyn Garza, David Snead, and Spencer Payne; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11 AM, followed by the funeral service at 12 PM at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville, Georgia with Mr. Marcus Miller officiating. The burial will take place at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Crematory of Douglasville is in charge of the arrangements.