Joe Carl Dobson

Joe Carl Dobson Jr. 85, of Corbin Ky. departed this earth into the arms of Jesus on October 18, 2024, at Laurel Heights Nursing Home after a long illness.

Born May 6, 1939, in Newcomb, Tennessee, he is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Carl Dobson Sr. and Bessie Gilreath Dobson, and brothers Donald G. Dobson, James H. Dobson, William G. Dobson, and Robert L. Dobson. He is survived by one brother, Thomas Ray Dobson (Debra).

Outgoing and independent, Joe Carl worked for the CSX Railroad, he also was a dedicated 32-degree Mason and longtime Shriner for 55 years where he made many strong and lasting friendships. Joe Carl dutifully served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved his church family and was a member of Central Baptist Church in Corbin KY for more than forty years. He enjoyed life and greeted everyone with a smile, delighting in making others laugh with his well-known humorous personality. He loved music, singing, dancing, and time with his family, but above all, he enjoyed time with the love of his life Judith Kitts Dobson. Living to make her smile and laugh, Joe adored Judy throughout their sixty-eight years of marriage. 

His wife and his children survive him, Joe Carl Dobson III (Susie) of Collierville TN, Jana Dobson Cobb (Rusty) of Lexington KY, and Ericka Dobson Hardesty (Michael) of Corbin KY. He is also survived by seven grandchildren Joe Dobson IV (Amy) Lindsey Dobson Whaley (Richie) Aaron Cobb (Amanda) Amber Cobb Lykins (Tom) Boston Hardesty, Miles Hardesty, and Jersey Hardesty. His eight great-grandchildren are Luke Whaley, Kirsten Dobson, Jackson Whaley, Emma Dobson, Parker Lykins, Eli Lykins, Ruby Cobb, and Ramsey Cobb. All who knew and loved Joe Carl will surely miss the laughter and joy he brought to this world. 

A memorial service to honor Joe Carl’s life will be held at Central Baptist Church in Corbin Kentucky on November 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Josh Pollitt officiating. Visitation will start at 11:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, his family request donations be made to the Central Baptist Church Renovation Fund, 201 West 4th St. Corbin, Kentucky 40701.

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dobson Family.