Ira Dobbs Sr.

Ira Lee Dobbs Sr. CHESAPEAKE - Ira Lee Dobbs Sr., 87, of the 1200 block of Edgewood Ave., went to be with the Lord May 12, 2009. Born in Portlock, he was the son of the late Ace and Mattie Dobbs and was predeceased by two brothers, Beauford and Horace Dobbs and a grandson, Tommy Nirdlinger. Ira was a Merchant Marine veteran of World War II and later worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, Chesapeake. Ira will be remembered as a craftsman and his ability to craft from metal and wood. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Doris A. Dobbs; four children, Carolyn Nirdlinger, Janie Mobley and husband Floyd, Ira L. Dobbs Jr. and Barbara Franklin and husband Terry; grandchildren, Suzanne Nirdlinger, Tammy Ennis, Kristi White and husband Gary, Lori Shores and husband Matt, Brian Franklin and wife Kera, Kevin Franklin and Tara Franklin; seven great-grandsons; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. The Rev. Jim Thompson will officiate. The interment will follow in Chesapeake Memorial Gardens. The viewing will begin today with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.