Robert Tessmer Dobbs' Obituary
Robert Tessmer Dobbs, a cherished husband, father, son, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 11, 2024, at the age of 47. Born in December 1977, in Memphis, Tennessee, Robert was a vibrant individual who valued his relationships and lived by his father’s advice to “work hard and have fun.”
Robert graduated from Briarcrest Christian School in 1996, where he excelled as a soccer player. He continued his education at Tennessee Tech, earning his degree in mechanical engineering in 2000. Robert effortlessly forged enduring friendships, thanks to his loyalty, great sense of humor and gift for conversation. He always found time to connect with loved ones, including his beloved canine companions.
Despite being somewhat of a homebody, Robert’s adventurous spirit took him across the globe, with memorable trips to France and Australia. Following high school, he moved to his happy place, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he loved to snowboard and explore the national parks.
When adulthood beckoned, Robert relocated to Decatur, Alabama, where he began his career with the family’s beer distributorship and dedicated himself to raising his son, Miller, with his wife, Christina. His early experiences working at his father’s car dealerships instilled in him a strong work ethic and a zest for life, propelling him to a successful career at Valley Budweiser.
Robert's mechanical talents sparked a lifelong passion for Volkswagens, motorcycles, vintage automobiles and rally racing. He enjoyed watching the TN Titans and Arizona Cardinals, following car races and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, and tuning into “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and “Duck Dynasty.”
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Christina Cassidy Dobbs, and their son, Miller Andrew Dobbs (age 20) of Decatur, Alabama. He is also survived by his parents, Anne-Marie Tessmer Dobbs of Paradise Valley, Arizona and James K. Dobbs III (wife Lisa) of Palm Beach, Florida; his brothers, James K. Dobbs IV (wife Holly and daughter Cara) of Columbia, Tennessee and Collier Dobbs of Memphis, Tennessee; and his sister, Celia-Anne Dobbs Martindale (husband Howard and daughters Anne-Catherine and Meredith) of Little Rock, Arkansas; and sister, Jessica Rando (husband Adam) of Nashville, Tennessee. Other survivors include his brother-in-law, John Matthew Cassidy (wife Dr. Theresa) and two nieces, Joanna Kathryn Cassidy and Riley Elyse Cassidy.
The memorial service will be held on December 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Fireside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. A “Celebration of Life” will take place on December 13, 2024, at 5:30 PM, at the Dunavant Rotunda at Brooks Museum, 1934 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104. Please RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, 935 Farm Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134
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