Wilmington, North Carolina
ERNEST P. HOBBIE Ernest P. Hobbie, 83, of Wilmington, NC passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at Davis Health Care in Wilmington following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 17, 1930 in Cranford, New Jersey to the late Esther Sopp Hobbie and Joseph Norman Hobbie. Ernie was a teacher and school Principal in Cranford, NJ and Plainfield, NJ for 40 years, before retiring to Wilmington, NC in 1995. He had an amazing passion for basketball and was known to many as the "The Shot Doctor". Ernie worked with many well known college and NBA players throughout the country. He also served as the New Jersey Nets shooting coach from 1985 - 1988. He loved young people and teaching them skills of basketball shooting techniques. Ernie was particularly inspirational "Believe in Yourself" and "Never Give Up". He also ran basketball camps in the Wilmington area for more than 10 years. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, JoAnn Hobbie; three sons, Jeff, Jon, both of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Jerry and wife Paula of Houston, Texas; two granddaughters, Joanna and Lea; and four brothers, Michael, Norman, Robert, and Edward Hobbie. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Wrightsville United Methodist Church. The family would like to express a very special thank you for all the loving care and concern of the nurses, doctors, and staff of Davis Rehabilitation Center, and his special friends who faithfully were there for him. Memorials may be made to Duke University Sarcoma Cancer Research Foundation, Duke University Medical Center, P O Box 3312, Durham, NC 27710 or to the Ernie Hobbie Basketball Fund, 2710 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. Condolences may be sent to www.andrewsmortuary.com
Forever A Legend !
Time has passed by, but memories remain strong. Your Work for Success motto is evident in the light that shines for You, by those that Think of You often.
Marc Lowe
September 22, 2019 | Bowling Green / Sandusky, OH | Acquaintance
Our Condolences to the Hobbie Family. My Sister and I are Cousins and only knew Ernie briefly while growing up in Cortland/Homer area. When I was 8or 9 Ernie visited Cortland and took my Sister to the County Fair - she came home with a Teddy Bear, said Ernie won it shooting Baskets. So sorry we missed out on sharing more experiences with Ernie, but it was a comfort to read the testimonials above. RIP Ernie.
-Mike Sopp and Saleamie Sopp Franco
October 28, 2013
My Condolences to the Hobbie Family. I was able to get to know Ernie over the years, living next to Jeff and Jon and working for them for about 15 years. Jon spent many hours each day talking with his Dad about sports and I know how much that meant to him. I was able to talk with Ernie often when he went for walks or when he was at his sons businesses. Ernie's spirit for sports and passion for life will live on...it was an honor to know him.
-Marc C. Lowe
Marc Lowe
October 13, 2013 | Sandusky/Bowling Green, OH
To the Hobbie family, our deepest condolences. Ernie became like family to us. We spent countless hours at the Landfall courts over the last several years. Christopher would never be playing basketball if it weren't for Mr. Ernie. I am so happy that my daughter, who usually played around out there while Ernie worked with Chris and Robert, finally took an interest in basketball. Ernie was tickled that he was able to show Abigail how to shoot. On our last visit to Davis, Abigail told me to be...
Tish Baker
October 12, 2013 | Wilmington, NC
Loved this guy. He coached my grandson in golf, he always had a kind thing to say about my miserable golf game and I loved his knowledge of basketball. Oh, he was also an unbelievable poker player. I should know, he took a lot of money from me. Gonna miss ya Ernie.
Rick Sommer
October 08, 2013 | Wilmington, NC
From the Boyle Family to the entire Hobbie Family...We are broken hearted at the passing of our beloved Ernie...He was a great man and beloved by all who knew him -especially us. He will be greatly missed. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time- With Love, Kevin, Kelly ,Kelscey, Kevin and Brendan Boyle
Kelly and Kevin Boyle
October 06, 2013 | Montverde, FL
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of a great guy. Ernie was truly one of a kind. Beloved by family and friends, Ernie proved nice guys finish first. Our loss is heaven's gain,where he now is working on someone's shooting form. A wonderful, wonderful man. May the "Shot Doctor" rest in peace. Love, The Murphy Family
October 02, 2013 | West Hartford, CT
Ernie was one of the most remarkable men we've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Ernie's compassion and selfless nature is one of the greatest gifts he gave to this earth and We are so grateful our family had the opportunity to know him.
Kevin, Jake, and Zeke
The Sigler Family
September 29, 2013 | Wilmington, NC
Our sympathies to the Hobbie family. At this time , hopefully your sorrow will be somewhat lightened, remembering the consumate pride he had towards all his family members and the legacy Ernie has left from his days in Cranford to Wilmington. Friend to so many, Teacher of unsupassed passion, and Competitor supreme.
Tom & Carol Walsh
September 29, 2013 | Wilmington, NC
