Michael Dobbs

1945 - 2025

Michael Marc Dobbs was born on February 10, 1945, in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Savannah High School where he was a standout basketball player. He then went on to play basketball at Armstrong State College for two years before heading to the University of Georgia. Right after college, Michael met and married the love of his life, Marlene Epstein Dobbs. Michael had a 58-year career with Equitable and as a proud Savannah native, he served on several local boards and was very generous in giving back to the community that he loved.

Michael was an incredible people person with a huge heart. He was a loving husband, and an amazing father and grandfather. Always dressed to impress, he lit up every room he entered. He had the ability to connect with everyone he met and always made people feel that they were the most important person in the room. He loved his family and friends deeply and especially cherished his days with them at Tybee. When he was not holding court on 9th Street at Tybee, he could be found boating, fishing, golfing, talking about football at the Savannah Quarterback Club, listening to his favorite music or watching his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. Wherever he was, he was usually surrounded by family and friends. Michael truly had a rare gift of making people smile and laugh and left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Miriam Tenenbaum Dobbs and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marlene, and his children, Neil Dobbs (Jill Henke) and Emilie Dobbs Samet (Arthur) and six grandchildren, Isabela, Blake, and Asher Dobbs; and Abby, Jack, and Owen Samet. He is also survived by his siblings, Stuart Dobbs (Myra), Mindell Brown, Lew Kurland (Jane) and Anita DeSatnick (Denny) as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Dobbs family, especially Michael's caregivers- Evon, Pearl, Glenda, and Dora. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the 200 Club, Savannah Jewish Federation, or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service celebrating Michael's life will be held on Friday, June 20th at 3 pm at Mickve Israel Synagogue. A reception will follow.