John "Jack" T Dobson

John “Jack” T. Dobson, a long-time Tallahassee resident, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Westminster Oaks. Born October 2, 1923, Jack was the son of John Thomas Dobson and Eva Ann McGrew of Chicago, IL.

Jack attended Chicago’s Steinmetz High School and was President of his senior class. Earning a B.S. degree from Georgia Tech in Atlanta in 1947, he was a member of the ATO fraternity and the Glee Club. After college he served in the U.S. Army. During World War II Jack fought at the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded crossing the Rhine River. He later was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

Following his military service, Jack returned to Georgia Tech where he earned his master’s degree in management. In 1949 Jack married Nancy Ann Powell in Jacksonville. After receiving his master’s, Jack and his new bride moved to Alabama where he was an assistant professor at Auburn University. He later earned his doctorate from the University of Florida.

Dr. Dobson loved teaching and was proud to serve as an FSU professor for 30 years. In addition to inspiring countless students in the classroom, he became chairman of the management department in the College of Business.

He was a longtime member of the Tallahassee Kiwanis Club, a mediator for the Leon County Small Claims Court, and a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. He was a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Jack loved playing tennis and perhaps best, he treasured the camaraderie with his buddies. He was a strong, dedicated swimmer, swimming a mile a day for over a decade.

Jack and Nancy were avid travelers. They traveled throughout Europe, backpacked along the Salmon River in Idaho; hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand; and climbed the Great Wall of China. Jack also went to Africa on sabbatical.

Jack and Nancy had four children. With steely grit and on a meager professor’s salary, he bought and sold stocks, using the proceeds to send all four children to Principia Upper School in St Louis, MO. His children were his pride and joy. From shopping for new birthday dresses with his daughters to taking his young grandsons out for French pastries, it was the little things Jack did that touched so many hearts.

Nancy Ann was the love of his life. Their 63 year marriage was a true love story. Long after their children were grown, Jack and Nancy’s devotion to each other was remarkable. Every day Jack spoke of his love for his “Sweet Nancy.” They spent their last days together sharing songs, holding hands and sitting close.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, their beloved daughter Ann Dobson, and his sister Eleanore Porth. He is survived by his children John Dobson (Torey) of Atlanta, GA; Carolyn Dobson Gumula (Mark) of Cape Haze, FL; William Dobson (Jan) of Tallahassee; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

No memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Bend Habitat for Humanity, 2921 Roberts Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32310.

Arrangements under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.