Brian Patton Hobson, 51, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Olive Branch, MS after a brief illness. Brian was born on August 27, 1971 in Ripley, MS, and spent his early years in the Abel’s Store Community, in Benton County, surrounded by many family members and close friends who were just like family.
Brian attended excellent schools during his lifetime, all of which provided expert care and offered a place where Brian fostered relationships that brought him much joy and happiness. His very first school was the McDougal Center in Tupelo, MS. Words could never describe what this facility and its fine staff did for Brian. He then moved to the Hickory Flat Child Development Center and later enjoyed time in the Special Education Department of the Old Salem School in Benton County. Brian was then able to move to a state-of-the-art facility in Alexandria, LA, called Saint Mary’s Training School. This school was like a small city, in and of itself, and offered untold opportunities for Brian to grow and thrive. Brian outgrew this school and was able to move closer to home, living in the Hernando house of the North Mississippi Regional Center. He, ultimately, spent his later years at Millcreek in Hernando, MS where he had the finest staff and the dearest friends – they were part of his family!
During his lifetime, Brian was able to enjoy competing in many games in the Special Olympics and held various ribbons from his years of participating, as an athlete, in this fine organization. He took great pride in this and was able to travel, by plane, to North Carolina to represent the state of Mississippi in the downhill skiing event where he won a medal.
Brian enjoyed any time spent with his family. He loved wrestling, Uno, and dominoes. He was a big fan of the Dukes of Hazzard and Garth Brooks and entertained his family, many times, by donning his cowboy hat and singing “Shameless”. It was always a serious performance and he meant for the spectators to treat it as such. Brian also anxiously looked forward to participating in Tim Tebow’s annual Night to Shine. He could tell you anything about the Dallas Cowboys and loved any sporting event. He always wanted to be a referee, a policeman, a fireman, or a hind catcher during baseball season. Brian always rooted for the winner and would change teams mid-game.
Those left to cherish Brian’s memory are his parents, Mary McGaughy Howell of Rienzi, MS and Dean Hobson (Carolyn) of Hope, AR. He is survived by his brother, Jason Hobson (Tami) of Columbus, GA. He is also survived by four sisters, Lauren Crane (Nathaniel) of Hope, AR, Shannon Reinhart (Phil) of Lerna, IL, Sherri Howell of Bowling Green, KY, and Terri Burress of Guntown, MS, three brothers, Glenn Norwood (Lillie) of Prairie Grove, AR, Stan Howell (Sherry) of Saltillo, MS, and Steve Howell (Haven) of Mooreville, MS, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who absolutely adored him. He also leaves two very dear house brothers in Hernando, MS.
Brian was preceded in death by his step-father, Billy Howell, his maternal grandparents, Ira and Earlene Cox McGaughy, and his paternal grandparents, Niles and Etoye Davis Hobson.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
