Opening
Scripture Reading
Reflections..............................................................................................Mr.
Acknowledgments.................................................................................Mrs.
Retired Navy Chief Petty Office Harold Dobbins, 102, of Hampton, VA passed away on December 9, 2024.
Harold was born on September, 30, 1922 to the late James Dobbins and the late Emily Black Robinson. “Chief Dobbins” or affectionately known as “Big Chief” grew up in Charleston, SC where he spoke about helping his grandfather.
Chief Dobbins served 28 years in the US Navy, where he served in WWII and Korean War as well as other conflicts.
After joining the Navy, Harold met Leola where they went on to have 7 children. When not on deployment took pride in being a father taking his family to the Officer’s club for lunch and attended the air shows. Big Chief also took great pride in being a grandfather where he often spent time with his grandchildren from taking them to the Blue Angels jet show, having lunch atthe NCO club, letting the grandchildren get the change out of his car and meals at McDonalds, Olive Garden, Waffle House, Denny’s and Subway. When he was asked to show up, he did. He loved his great and great-great grandchildren just as much as his grandchildren where he created memories such as flying kites, something he proclaimed he had never done before.
Chief Dobbins stayed true to his religious upbringing where he was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, Newport News, VA. Chief will be missed by most who spent time around him. He loved his church and would often drive his white pick up truck around the grounds. He wasvery generous and would often treat the church staff to lunch. He will be remembered for sharing his love for God and for just affectionately calling everyone “baby”.
Chief Dobbins, is preceded in death by his wife, Leola, 4 brothers, Clarence, Lee, Amos (Duke), Joe Robinson, and son-in-law, Robert Fitchett (Doc).
He is survived by sister, Dr.Marie Metz; seven children, Harold L., Darcel (Moneca), Michael (Deborah), Valerie (Robert, deceased), Anthony (Tony), Omar (Marilyn), Angela (Shaun); 11 grandchildren, Trina, April, Darcel “D’angelo”,Robert, Kyla, Isiah, Darcel Jr., Kaneka (Dertrik), Barika, Corey, and Shaun II as well as a host of great grandchildren, and great, great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and church family.
Michael Dobbins
Omar Blackmon
Shaun Stroble II
Michael Crutchfield
Anthony Dobbins
Corey Fitchett
Family and Friends
The family would like to thank everyone who called and expressed condolences during this time. Continue to keep us in your prayers in the days, weeks, months and years to come. May God bless each of you.
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep--
I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints in snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush, I am the swift, up-flinging rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry-I am not there, I did not die.