Matthew Hughes Dobson IV

A fifth generation Nashvillian, Matt was born November 3, 1920 to Sophia Ezzell Dobson and Matthew Hughes Dobson, III. Matt was predeceased by his parents, his infant brother James Moran Dobson, brothers James Ezzell Dobson and John Morehead Dobson, sister Lillian Dobson Dunavant.

Matt’s education included Palmer Elementary School, Wallace University School and Montgomery Bell Academy. He graduated with honors from St. John's Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. As a freshman at Vanderbilt University in 1939 he became a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and began a major in History. His junior year, he enrolled in the newly formed US Navy V-12 College Training program, designed to supplement the force of commissioned naval officers. Following Vanderbilt graduation in March, 1943, he enrolled in the V-7 Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School, Columbia University in New York. At graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign with orders to report for active duty in San Diego.

At Vanderbilt, Matt met Betty Smith, the love of his life. Plans for their wedding in Statesboro, GA were changed when his leave was canceled days before his Midshipmen's School graduation. The wedding, quickly relocated to New York, immediately followed his graduation. As newlyweds they boarded the train for California.

Many summers were spent on the rivers around Nashville and Rock Island. Therefore Matt was a natural to be trained in landing craft as preparation for the invasion of Japan. Matt received orders August, 1945 for the invasion of Japan and after the surrender Matt became a part of the occupation force.

In February, 1946, Matt was discharged as a Lieutenant. Betty and Matt returned to Nashville where he joined the family business, Dobson and Co. Matt later started Dobson's Discount Salvage stores. At age 45, when his father unexpectedly died, Matt became responsible for oversight of the family farms and the care of his mother who lived to be 97. In running the farms, he acquired a great love of the land, respect for farming, the animals, the crops, the people, and the patience it took to be a farmer.

Throughout his life, Matt loved people. Charismatic, enthusiastic, engaging, unconventional, and fun, he enjoyed family, friends and colleagues of all ages. He paired his affable nature and quick wit with love of family, a sense of honor, commitment, loyalty, and perseverance. He was a faithful and active member of West End United Methodist Church. He was supportive of Harpeth Hall where his three daughters and his granddaughter graduated and of MBA where he, his brothers, his son and two grandsons received their education. He became a member of MBA's Board of Directors in 1973. In his early 90's Matt was honored to be named Director Emeritus and a member of Totomoi, MBA's Honorary Society. In his late 80s, he could still be found in MBA’s football stands on Friday nights.

For approximately twenty years Matt was a member of the selection committee for the Patrick Wilson Merit Scholarship at Vanderbilt Law School. He valued this commitment as an opportunity to get to know, follow, and befriend a multitude of outstanding young scholars and to honor the memory of Patrick Wilson.

In his formative years, Matt was a multi-sport athlete. He played in a Nashville Baseball League in the 1950's, loved water, enjoyed swimming and boating. He loved tennis, a sport he played with friends into his 80's, usually at Belle Meade Country Club where he was a member. He was an enthusiastic fan of Vanderbilt football, basketball and baseball.

He relished time spent with family and friends. Matt and Betty enjoyed being at their log cabin in Monteagle, TN. Matt taught his children to love the outdoors, roaming the farm and exploring the Cumberland Plateau. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of laughter and friendship. He loved a good story told (and retold!) and he had plenty to tell! In so doing, he gave family and friends links to his history. He loved his family, his friends, his city, and his country. Throughout Matt’s life, he demonstrated courage, optimism, resilience, and the understanding that life is a gift to be enjoyed and to be treasured, and he did.

Matt is survived by his wife of over 73 years, Betty Smith Dobson; his children Jean Dobson Farris (Bill), Lil Dobson McAulay (Al), Charlotte, NC, Matt Hughes Dobson, V (Ann), Franklin, TN, and Cora Sophia Dobson. "Daddy Matt" delighted in his grandchildren Betty Harvey (Stan), Lexington, KY, Mac McAulay (Lindsay), Raleigh, NC, Smith McAulay (Susanne), Asheville, NC, Matt McAulay (Blythe), Charlotte, NC, Matt Dobson, VI and Walt Dobson, Franklin, TN. Grandchildren by marriage include Will Farris (Ellen) Spring Hill, TN and Mallie Almon (Joe) Thompson Station, TN. Matt and Betty have seven great grandchildren and an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 25, 2017 at West End United Methodist Church from 10:00 to 12:00 with the service at Noon. As a proud member of "The Greatest Generation” a military Internment Service will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery following the Church service (1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210).

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ben Womack for Matt's excellent health care and to Matt's many friends of all ages. We would especially like to thank the nurses, assistants and support staff at Woodcrest at Blakeford for their care and compassion for Matt and Betty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to West End United Methodist Church (2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, Montgomery Bell Academy (4401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205), or the charity of your choice.