Douglas Metts Hobbs

Douglas Metts Hobbs

May 19, 1927 - November 16, 2023

Raleigh, North Carolina - Douglas Metts Hobbs was born May 19, 1927, in Richlands, NC, and died on November 16, 2023, at the age of ninety-six. He grew up in a loving family and attended public schools in the area. Douglas was an entrepreneur from an early age and developed a strong work ethic; acquiring baby chicks through the mail to raise and sell, along with raising hens for eggs to sell. He also turned a profit selling candy and sundries, working at a soda shop in Wilmington. He convinced his older brothers (he did not yet have a driver's license) to help him find cars in New York and drive them back to North Carolina to sell. When he did acquire his driver's license, he drove a school bus.

He grew up in the Missionary Baptist Church and later converted to the Catholic Faith. After high school, Douglas enlisted in the US Navy and later briefly attended George Washington University. Going to classes in DC, he walked by ads for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio and began lessons, discovering a love and talent for ballroom dancing. After becoming an instructor, he quickly became a favorite of Mr. Arthur Murray and his wife Catherine. He rose to become CEO in his late twenties. He had a great aptitude for business management and sales.

Before Douglas opened the Arthur Murray Studios in Charlotte and Raleigh, he went to New York, Miami, the Catskills, and Baton Rouge as an instructor. In Miami he met Teresa Gallagher, who had a background in ballet and had just started working for Arthur Murray. They married, moved around a bit with the company, and then decided to move to Raleigh to open the Studio and raise a family.

Douglas and Terry worked together building their business with Arthur Murray, and for a couple of years had a dance program on television. Many notable North Carolinians learned to dance at their studio, and it was a busy and happy time for the Hobbs family. Douglas observed his mother-in-law's savvy in purchasing income producing properties and followed her footsteps investing in real estate. He eventually sold the dance studio on Hillsborough Street and managed his real estate investments full time. He continued passionately working in the real estate market until his death.

He was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and supported the old Catholic Orphanage.

The entire family is extremely grateful for the devoted help and care they received from Belinda P. Mercer for the past eighteen years, for both Teresa and Douglas.

Douglas was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa, his son, Greg, parents, Louise and Murray, daughter-in-law, Jean, siblings, Horace, Lucille, Carlton, and Murray Jr. He is survived by his children, Chris (Martha), Roswell, GA, Sheila (Steve) Warrick, Raleigh, NC, Steve (Gwenn), Raleigh, NC, Sean (Betsy), Raleigh, NC, daughter-in-law, Mary, Raleigh, NC, grandchildren, Paul (Joanna) Warrick, Raleigh, NC, Zack (Bonnie) Hobbs, Marietta, GA, Charlie Hobbs, London, England, Christina (Michael) Shoptaw, Nashville, TN, Rosemary (Geoff) Daniel, Raleigh, NC, Teddy Hobbs, Raleigh, NC, Julie Hobbs, Wilmington, NC, step-grandson, Jim Reynolds, Charlotte, NC, nine great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Mass is Friday, December 1, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes at 1 PM with a reception following at the Fallon Center (next door to the Church).

In lieu of flowers, please consider Donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Dr., Raleigh, NC 27608.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.