William Darrell Dobson

May 4, 1948 – February 11, 2026

It is with heavy hearts, but also a celebration of a life well-lived, that we share the news of William Darrell Dobson, a man who truly knew how to live and love, packing his bags and heading home to his Heavenly Father on February 11, 2026, in Temple, Texas. Bill, as he was affectionately known to all, was 77 years old. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, friend, uncle, and "papa," and he’ll be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born on May 4, 1948, in Gary, Indiana, Bill was the kind of guy who never met a stranger and always had a story (or 10!) to tell. He was the son of Raymond Kenneth Dobson, Sr., and Helen Jincy Edwards. Bill spent his younger years learning the ropes and working hard on the family farm off Bemes Road in Crete, Illinois. He’d be up with the sun, alongside his older brother and sisters, tackling chores before school, and then back at it until sundown. But it wasn't all work and no play! When he snagged a bit of free time, you’d find him playing baseball or getting into some good-natured mischief with his older brother, Ray, whom he fondly called “Rat.” Since Bill was the little brother, Ray affectionately dubbed him “Mouse.”

Bill graduated from Crete-Monee High School in 1966, ready for whatever adventure life threw his way. And adventure he found! In 1967, Bill proudly joined the US Army, where he got to see a good chunk of the world. He spent most of his military career exploring the rich cultures of Europe, making everlasting memories in Germany, Spain, France, and Italy. We're pretty sure he checked out all the great sites and probably enjoyed a glass or two of German beer along the way!

He completed his military service in 1969 and returned to Crete, Illinois, where his younger sister, Sandra, played matchmaker. She introduced him to a pretty brown-eyed girl with long brown hair from neighboring Chicago Heights, Illinois—her name was Shirley Marie Howard. Bill fell head over heels for Shirley right away. Shirley, not completely sold at first, eventually succumbed to the legendary “Dobson Charm.” Bill affectionately called Shirley his “Dolly,” because her delicate facial features reminded him of a doll. Bill and Shirley happily married on September 26, 1970, and started a beautiful family together, raising one daughter and three sons.

At the end of the 1970s, Bill and his family moved to the warmer climate of Texas. To support his growing family, Bill worked as a route salesman for Rainbo Bread Baking Company for nearly 20 years. He tirelessly crisscrossed the greater Houston area, making sure stores were stocked and communities had their daily bread. He wasn't just delivering bread; he was delivering a dependable and hardworking presence. He also worked with Standard Coffee and Community Coffee, delivering coffee to corner stores, cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. Before retiring, he worked as a Merchandise Associate for Advantage Sales and Marketing.

Everyone who knew Bill often commented on his rock-solid dependability and his friendly, easygoing demeanor.

Bill loved people, but above all, he loved God. He was truly a born-again Christian, living out the tenets of Christianity—unconditional love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and integrity—every single day. There was nothing superficial about his relationship with God. He wasn’t the type of Christian who only opened a Bible once a week at church; oh no, this guy was the real deal. He talked it and he walked it. You would often see him with his Bible open, filled with highlighted verses. He religiously attended church and had a large group of church friends. If someone was hurting emotionally or physically, Bill would lay hands on them and pray. If someone was feeling lonely or sad, he would talk to them, comfort them, listen, and offer guidance.

Bill spent his final years at the William R. Courtney Veteran’s Home in Temple, Texas. True to form, Bill managed to cultivate friendly and close relationships with the nursing staff and his fellow residents. You could often find him having friendly chats with everyone. He even pastored a church service there once a week and became known as “Pastor Billy,” spreading the word of God to all his fellow residents. He was a much-respected and well-liked resident of the Courtney Veteran’s Home.

Life brings us so many happy moments, but it also brings times of sadness. In 1997, Bill lost his beloved “Dolly” (Shirley) to cancer, and ten years later, he lost his son, Kenny. These losses left Bill and his family devastated. But Bill, ever the rock, went above and beyond to ensure his family was comforted. He was a bedrock, a shoulder to lean on in the toughest situations, reminding everyone that their beloved mother and brother were in a happier place.

Now, we don’t have Bill here anymore to be that shoulder to lean on in a time that is often filled with grief and sadness. But Bill insisted that he wanted no one to be sad when he’s gone. He wanted everyone to know that he has his place in heaven. He’s going to be in good company. He will be in the arms of his Savior. He will be reunited with his “Dolly.” He and his oldest son, Kenneth, will probably be working on building something. And…well, he might even be causing a little trouble up there somewhere with his brother, Ray.

The memory and legacy of Bill will live on through his family and friends. He was loved and cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Ann Little, and her husband, Craig Little; his son, Dale Todd Dobson, and his wife, Christy Dobson; and his son, Joseph Dobson, and his wife, Byul “Stella” Kim. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Belle Gephart, Patricia Zona, and Ginny York.

His grandchildren, who adored their "papa," include Craig Jr. (C.J.) Little, Caleb Little, Kandace Little, Dylan Dobson, Luke “Bird” Dobson, Kendall Dobson, and Kenneth Joseph Dobson. Bill was also blessed to be a “great papa” to Paisli Little, Josephine “Jojo” Little, Russell Little, and Charlotte Little.

Additionally, Bill’s memory and legacy will also live on through the many extended family members, friends, and the wonderful nurses and residents of the William R. Courtney Veterans’ Home in Temple, Texas.

A memorial service for William Dobson is scheduled to take place at 11am on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Lifehouse Bible Church, located at 26030 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia, Texas 77355. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of William Darrell Dobson.

And lastly, to quote something often attributed to Dr. Seuss, and a sentiment Bill would surely echo:

“Don’t be sad because it’s over. Smile, because it happened.”