GEORGIA, NOVEMBER 6 – Francis Henry Dobbins, 95, formerly of Gainesville, GA died Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at his home in LaGrange, GA. HE was born in Charlotte Court House on June 12, 1917 to the late Katherine Anderson Dobbins and Henry Howard Dobbins.

He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Husbandry. Mr. Dobbins was a WWII veteran, serving in the 629th Tank Battalion. He saw action in most of the major European Theaters, including D-day +6, Battle of the Bulge, and the Liberation of France. He was awarded a Bronze Star. A lifelong Presbyterian, he was a member, elder, and deacon of First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, GA. He was a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks, a Mason, and a Shriner.

Surviving is a son and daughter-in-law, Francis Henry “Hank” Dobbins Jr. and Deborah Dobbins of LaGrange, GA; and sister-in-law, Betty Lee Cobb Jones of Charlotte Court House. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Sadie Cobb Dobbins, brothers, Paris Chesterman Dobbins and Reid Anderson Dobbins and sister, Bess Dobbins Maxey, all of Virginia.

Funeral services were held Sunday, November 4 at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Charlotte Court House.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 4554 Bethlehem Road, Charlotte Court House, VA 23923 or First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, 800 S Enota Drive Northeast, Gainesville, GA 30501.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home, Keysville, was in charge of arrangements.