Perrin Thomas Dobyns

Our cherubic-faced Perry has left us too soon after a short battle with brain cancer. His last months were good ones, and only for the last few weeks did he experience a decline. Besides the treatments and tangles with paperwork and bureaucracies, he enjoyed the time he had to the fullest with his family and beloved partner, Van.

Perry had a career as a family practice physician in Oklahoma, Indiana, Tennessee and North Carolina before retiring here in Wilmington, where he met the love of his life, Van. Perry had a love for gadgets, games, cars and motorcycles. His quiet, intelligent demeanor, his wry humor and his tenacity will be the trademarks by which he will be remembered.

Perry Is survived by his partner, Van, who gave him the best years of his life. Van has become a sister to his own three sisters, and words can't express our sorrow for her loss.

Perry is also survived by sisters Dixie Dobyns (Wilmington), Colleen Steele (Knoxville, TN) and Tara Dobyns (Oakland, CA), and is predeceased by brothers Sean Casey and Grayson Kendall Dobyns.

Perry is also fondly remembered by his nephew Silas Pipkin Dobyns, Natasha Wilde and their sons, Casper and Ellis, along with Perry's own children Patrick and Caroline. Aunts and uncles Rod and Wanda Kendall (GA) and Bill and Mary Kendall (TN) all were loving family members that played important parts in Perry's life.

The family is indebted to special friends Anh Nguyen, Clara Tien and Francis Van and Fr. Cong Le, St. Mark's Church, who provided loving care and support for Perry during his final weeks.

A special thanks to hospice provider, Lower Cape Fear Lifecare and the Caring House of Durham, who not only made Perry's passing peaceful but provided the family with advice, housing and emotional support during a traumatic time. We are most grateful.

Services will be held at Wilmington Funeral Chapel,

1535 South 41st Street

Wilmington, NC 28403

1 PM, Tuesday March 10, 2026