Charles Nelson Dobbins, Jr.

Dr. Charles Nelson Dobbins, Jr., 94, passed into eternal peace on April 25, 2023. “Charlie” was born on January 23, 1929, to Charles Nelson Dobbins, Sr. and Beulah Eloise Logan Dobbins in Yadkinville, NC. He attended North Carolina State University where he received a B.S. degree in Poultry Science. Charlie married Ella Mae Brandon in 1951. They were together for 68 years through Charlie’s service in the U.S. Army where he served as a captain in the Quartermaster Corps, a high school teaching stint in Shallotte, NC, his graduation from the Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1958, their raising a family, and through his accomplished career in veterinary medicine.

He was head of the Georgia Extension Veterinary Department within the College of Agriculture for 31 years. For 14 years, he concurrently served as Associate Dean for Public Service and Outreach for the College of Veterinary Medicine. He received the honor of “Georgia Veterinarian of the Year” presented by the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA). A prolific writer, he published over 400 articles in state and national professional journals, farm publications and newspapers, as well as educational manuals and monographs. He wrote the original junior and senior 4-H Cloverleaf manuals, as well as leadership guides that established the Georgia 4-H Veterinary Science Project, upon which the National model was based. After retirement, he continued his service to the veterinary profession by working with the Georgia State Legislature, the GVMA, the College of Veterinary Medicine, and The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to advocate for veterinary students specializing in food animal medicine.

Charlie generously shared his time at St. James United Methodist Church as Finance Chairman and leading the Wednesday Night Suppers for many years. He was a devoted family man and friend, who was known as a kind soul with a twinkle in his eye. People always enjoyed Charlie’s company.

Charlie was predeceased by his wife Ella Mae Brandon Dobbins. Charlie is survived by his son David A. Dobbins (Robin); daughter Susan D. Knox (Kris); grandchildren Laura Lyle (Alex), Kelli Blackburn (A.J.), Jason Dobbins (Bridgett) and Chip Knox (Joanna); great-grandchildren Jack Blackburn, Shelby Blackburn, Jackson Dobbins, Charlie Dobbins, and Charlie Knox.

A memorial service will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 111 West Lake Dr., Athens, GA, on Sunday April 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. A receiving of friends will take place in the Fellowship Hall at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. James United Methodist Church.

We will always treasure our memories of Charlie.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.