Joseph Hobbs Obituary

Joseph Dewey Hobbs, Jr. WINSTON-SALEM - Joseph Dewey Hobbs, Jr., age 88, of Winston-Salem, entered the larger life on Feb. 5, 2014. He was born on March 2, 1925 in Wilmington, and was the son of J.D. Hobbs Sr. and Mamie Kirk Hobbs. Surviving him are his wife of 66 years, Virginia Gilley Hobbs; daughters Cathy Hobbs Powell of Winston-Salem, and Alice Hobbs Little (Steve Little) of Marion. A son, Warren E. Hobbs, predeceased him in 2002. Four grandchildren also survive him: Nathan Powell of Winston-Salem, Cate Powell Sawyer (Dan Sawyer) of Chapel Hill, Mary Little Apicella (Jason Apicella) of Granby, Conn., and Sally Little of Asheville. One great-grandson, Eli Daniel Sawyer, and another great-grandson expected in May also survive him. Mr. Hobbs is the retired Director of North Carolina Baptist Hospital's Department of Pastoral Care, where he served for eleven years. He was a member of the Mystic Tie Lodge #237 in Marion. Prior to that ministry, he served 35 years as a pastor. His pastorates included almost 20 years at First Baptist Church in Marion; Wingate Baptist Church (and chaplain with Wingate College) in Wingate; Center Grove Baptist Church in Kershaw, S.C.; and Harrods Creek Baptist Church in Brownsboro, Ky. He is remembered for his service to and through the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, serving as First Vice President of the convention and as President of the BSCNC General Board. He was a Trustee Emeritus of his alma mater, Wake Forest University. He was conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Wake Forest University in 1989. He also served two terms as a Trustee of Wingate University. During his Wake Forest College days, he proudly wore #52 on his Wake Forest Demon Deacon football jersey and was a first-team tackle all four years. He also was a member of the 1946 Wake Forest team that played in the very first Gator Bowl (Wake beat South Carolina, 26-14). In addition to graduating from Wake Forest University, he was also a graduate of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, with a Doctor of Ministry degree and a graduate of Southern Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, his hometown. Mr. Hobbs was a member of Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, where a memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, with Rev. Dr. Bob Setzer and Rev. Dr. David B. Smith officiating. A memorial service will also be held at First Baptist Church in Marion, at 4:00 on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, with Rev. Dr. Scott Hagaman officiating. Memorials may be made to the Pastoral Care Family Assistance Fund of NC Baptist Hospital, c/o Jay Foster, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157; Knollwood Baptist Church, 330 Knollwood Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27104; Salemtowne Retirement Community, Resident Assistance Fund, 1000 Salemtowne Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106; or First Baptist Church, 99 N. Main Street, Marion, NC 28752.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hobbs

8 Entries

Mary Anna Patterson

February 19, 2014

I remember Pastor Hobbs as being very dedicated and compassionate. I taught in the McDowell Co school system and occasionally attended First Baptist just to listen to his excellent sermons and to sing. I am Lutheran but the Lutheran church in Marion was sad. I had surgery at Duke in 1982 and he came from Marion all the way to Duke to visit me. I have never forgotten his act of kindness.

Dottie James Johnstom

February 9, 2014

When my daughter, Jamie, first met Dewey several years ago, I said, "there is something special about his presence". She said, "yes, you can tell that he has been with God". A perfect description-----he filled a room with love and peace. I too was blessed to be married by him. The James Family loved him dearly, especially my father.

William Roberson

February 9, 2014

Genny Hobbs followed soon after I met Dewey early in 1945. It didn't take more than opening my eyes to see that I had met a big man who just kept on growing and growing. I haven't kept up with him, though I tried recently to find him on Line, I have every idea he continued to become larger. God bless you Genny and the family. Audrey and I are so sorry to hear of his leaving. Dewey will keep on growing in our hearts to encourage and spur us on. We love you. Bill and Audrey

Dan & Paula Moore

February 8, 2014

Dr. Hobbs was our pastor at First Baptist Church in Marion, NC. We are saddened to hear of his passing, but rejoice that we will meet again. God be near his family at this time.
The Dan Moore Family

Doris James Campbell

February 8, 2014

My heartfelt sympathy to all the Hobbs family. Dr. Hobbs was my father's (Robert James)best friend in Marion,NC for so many years! He was also the minister who married me to my husband in November 1969. Dewey was like part of our family and we all loved and respected him so much. He spoke at Dad's funeral and gave all of us the most comfort afterwards. I just know he and Dad are riding around Heaven, having a cup of coffee, like old times now! What a glorious reunion of two great Christian men.

Doris Hemphill Woods

February 7, 2014

My sympathy to the Hobbs Family. Dr. Hobbs was my Pastor at First Baptist, Marion, N. C. in 1969 while my husband served a year in Vietnam. He was a wonderful Pastor.

Geneva Metzger

February 7, 2014

We have lost a friend and colleague in Pastoral Care and Campus Ministry. My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.

Buddy Corbin

February 7, 2014

Frances and I send our heart-felt condolences to Alice, Steve, Jenny and the family of Dewey Hobbs. He was a great man and mentor for many of us. His kind and gentle spirit will be missed by all who were touched by his presence.

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