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BORN
1949
DIED
2024
ROBERT DORSEY Obituary
Feb. 6, 1949 Feb. 4, 2024
Robert Lee Dorsey, a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend affectionately known as "Big Rob Royalty," passed away peacefully at his residence on February 4, 2024, at the age of 74, in Brawley, California. He was born on February 6, 1949, in Greenville, Mississippi to parents, Ed Dorsey and Ruby Lee Buie.
He married Patricia Dorsey and started his family in Brawley, where he raised three daughters. He worked at Vons for 33 years serving as the employee of many traits and the beating heart of the "evening crew.
Also, Robert worked at the Planters Hotel for numerous years. With a true passion for cooking, he became one of the Valley's best-known caters. He had a vision for making a simple dish into a masterpiece with seasonings.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Lee Buie; stepfather, Bill Willis, and stepmother, Jo Ann Willis; siblings, Ed Dorsey, James Dorsey, Dennis Earl Dorsey, Willie Dee Willis Jr. Ruby Inez Marsh, and Mattlean Willis.
He was the beloved father to three daughters, Tanya Dorsey (son, DeVone Dorsey, grandchild, Raj Dorsey), Sheila Dorsey-Freeman (sons, Royce Freeman , Robert Freeman; grandchild, Kyrie Freeman), and Adrianne Dorsey-Lawson (daughter, Arin Lawson, son: David Lawson):
Survived by siblings, Yvonne Willis (Robert) of Coachella, CA, Marti Jo Williams of Brawley, CA, Jeffrey Willis (Anna) of Bellingham, WA loving partner, (Antonia Martinez) and a host of dear family and friends.
Graveside Celebration of life will be held on March 9, 2024 at Riverview Cemetery, Brawley, CA for 30 minutes beginning at 11 am and thereafter the repast will be held at Hidalgo Hall in Brawley, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT DORSEY
Irene
May 27, 2024
So sorry to know about this Mr Dorsey I will forever be greatfull for you sharing your recipes with me may you be immensely happy up there...Thank You deeply for everything you taught me in your cooking forever honored
Elisa Benefield
April 20, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Big Rob will truly be missed. A wonderful man I had the privilege of working with for many years at Safeway and Vons. Always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Rest In Peace Big Rob
Thomas Roberson
March 27, 2024
Charlene Rosas Beltran
March 14, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man. You're all in my daily prayers. May God bless you all.
Dennis Abubo
March 12, 2024
My condolences Dorsey family
Nedra Partner-Miller
March 11, 2024
Thinking about you and wishing you courage to help see you through, day by day. And hoping your memories will warm your heart always and bring so much comfort your way. With Heartfelt Sympathy. God Bless you & keep!
Billy Joe Love
March 9, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family. My mother worked with Robert at the Planters Hotel for several years and I got to know him and worked with him at College View Market. Always had the greatest respect for him and loved his cooking
He will be missed dearly by all that knew him.
Alex
March 9, 2024
My Condolences to Rob's 3 Daugthers and extended Family. Rob, Skipper and i grew up together in the East Side, played sports, and enjoyed talking politics. Both would always kid and called me "bourgeousie". I left Brawley after graduating HS, and every opportunity I had to come back home, Rob was the first person I went looking for. Brother, I'll miss your dry humor and political insight. RIP. Your Brother, Alex
Kenny Arterberry
March 8, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cindy
March 8, 2024
Our condolences to the Dorsey family.
My mother JoAnn Severe worked as a waitress at Planters along side of Robert. She spoke fondly of Robert he was such a great cook and co-worker. She brought home many leftovers from Robert to help feed her 6 kids. We all enjoyed his food and his friendship with our mom.
RIP Robert.
Jesse & Cindy (Severe) Reyes
Linda Kay Carter
March 8, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My Deepest Condolences Family.
I Will Definitely Miss You Stopping By Cousin And Bringing Me Your Tasty Tri ~Tip During The Holidays. Rest In Heaven Forever In My Heart .
Love Linda Kay Carter
Linda Macken
March 7, 2024
Pat, I was so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My sincere condolences. May you be granted strength and comfort during this difficult time. Linda Macken
Ralph Marquez
March 7, 2024
Sheila and Tanya, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing and want to express my deepest condolences. Big Rob was a neighborhood icon, I remember long nights at Longfellow Park running it back. Big Rob Out!!
Peggy Washington
March 6, 2024
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Dorsey family rest with ease Big Rob from my family to yours from Peggy Washington and family
Diane Lofton & Family
March 6, 2024
My Condolences And Prayers To The Dorsey Family.
Rest In Peace Big Rob
Angie (Garcia) Martinez
March 6, 2024
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Jezmo & Suzie Perez
March 6, 2024
Gonna miss the perfect catering and friendship through all the years we shared trying to get to 100. 3/4 journey not bad at all. Love and respect to you Brother.
Bobby hodges
March 6, 2024
Rest in peace Big Rob
Sharon Swarthout
March 6, 2024
Sheila and family I am so sorry for your loss. His job here is complete and may he rest in peace.
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