James Ellis Dobson, Sr.

Mr. James Ellis Dobson, Sr., 88, of Luray Road near Brunson, died Monday evening in the Lowcountry Assisted Living Facility in Ehrhardt.

Mr. Dobson was born April 3, 1930, a son of the late Johnny Edward Dobson and Nanna Ferguson Dobson.  He was the owner and operator of Dobson's General Merchandise and Hardware Store.  He also operated an Auction Barn which was located next to his store and was the first licensed auctioneer in Hampton County.  Mr. Dobson was an Electrolux Vacuum Cleaner Salesman and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a member of the Varnville Christian Church and was married to the late Virginia Price Dobson.

Surviving are sons:  Jimmy Dobson of Columbia, Kenny Dobson and wife Sandra, Jerry Dobson and wife Linda, Randy Dobson and wife Billie, and Dudley Dobson and wife Christine, all of Barnwell;  step-children:  Martha Ann Platts and husband Holbrook of Hampton, and Tommy Price and wife Ann of Hanahan.  There are 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mr. Dobson was predeceased by a step-daughter:  Harriett Gatch and eight brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Thursday in the Chapel of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home conducted by Rev. Mike Freeman and Rev. Brandon Dobson with burial in the Black Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

Visitation will be Thursday beginning at 2 PM at the Funeral Home located at 300 Mulberry Street West in Hampton.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Lowcountry Assisted Living Facility and to his special friends:  Sollie and Betty Prince, Cole Lee and Henry Crosby.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to the Varnville Christian Church P.O. Box 53, Varnville, SC 29944.