Homer Dobbs, Sr.

DOBBS, HOMER L., SR., 83, passed from this life in the arms of his wife of 64 years, Peggy R. Dobbs, on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Homer was born in Fayette, Alabama on December 15, 1929. He was the son of Homer C. Dobbs, president of The Dobbs Truss Co., and Juanita Moore Dobbs. Preceding Homer in death were two sisters, Bobbie Jackson and Danita Kahn. Survivors include Homer's wife, Peggy; three daughters, Pati Dobbs of Huntsville, Alabama, Niki (Danny) Dambro of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jodi (Gary) McDanal of Birmingham; one son, Lyn (Carolyn) Dobbs of Birmingham; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Homer was founder of Dobbs Realty & Development Co., Inc. He graduated from West End High School and, when asked, always said he attended the "College of Hard Knocks." At age 16, Homer achieved his own pilot's license, much to his father's surprise, and flying always remained Homer's favorite pastime. In the 1980s, he was the proud owner of a WWII Stearman plane which he enjoyed sharing with those who loved flying as he did. His first passenger was Astronaut Marsha Ivins, who flew as co-pilot from Houston, Texas to Birmingham, verifying his time in a "tail dragger." Homer was one of the first Elders at the Cahaba Valley Church and more recently a part of the spiritual family, Disciples Fellowship. Homer's family will greet friends from 12 noon until the 2 p.m. chapel service at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Saturday, January 5, 2012. Burial will follow in Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the giver's favorite charity. Homer always preferred to follow the example of Jesus by helping someone else in need, whatever the need might be, fulfilling the scripture, ". . . When you did it for the least of them, you did it for me."