Larry was born on October 21, 1940 in Honey Grove, Texas, to James Franklin Dobbs and Mary Lou (Newhouse) Dobbs. He passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019, in Paris, Texas. He lived 78 years.
He grew up on a farm in Selfs Community where he began learning to care for livestock. He showed Hereford and Angus steers in high school and received multiple awards.
Larry attended Abilene Christian as well as Texas Tech University from which he earned his degree.
Next, Larry served in the Army National Guard. On February 4, 1967, he married Nancy Carole Collard at the Honey Grove church of Christ. They began their married life in Greenville, Texas, where Larry worked for FHA. By December of that year, their son, Clint arrived. Several years later in 1970, while living in Palestine, Texas, their first daughter, Ashley, was born. Larry and Nancy then moved their family to the Dobbs homeplace in Selfs where Larry became a full-time farmer and rancher. In the summer of 1973, their second daughter, Melanie, joined the family.
Larry enjoyed singing, drawing, writing, solving word puzzles, and eating fine meals with his treasured family members. He had a unique sense of humor and genuine love for mankind. Larry spent many hours admiring God's creation throughout the seasons of the year, and his love for God and family was evident to all who knew him. He was happiest seeing his children and grandchildren excel in their various school and personal activities.
In his later years, Larry began researching local history, local families, and cemeteries connected with his ancestry. He compiled multiple books that included the people of northeastern Fannin County with the goal of preserving this history for future generations. Larry also wrote and submitted documentation to the Texas Historical Commission for historical markers to be erected at both Shiloh and New Salem cemeteries in the Selfs Community. Larry was a lifelong member of the Selfs Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother, Sammy Dobbs.
He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Nancy Dobbs of Honey Grove; son and daughter-in-law, Clint and Susan Dobbs of Jacksonville, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Phillip Price of Ravenna, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Melanie and Terry Kiker of Midland, Texas.
He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter: Ashleigh (Kenrick)Flores and husband, Luis; Jacob Price, Tyler Kenrick, Ethan Price, Morganne Price, Holley Kiker, Hunter Kiker, Matthew Dobbs, Sawyer Price, and Sophia Flores.
To convey condolences or sign on online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com