Dr. Gary D. Dobbs

Dr. Gary D. Dobbs, a devoted optometrist, community cornerstone, and beloved friend, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the age of 78 in Enterprise, Alabama, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on December 15, 1946, Gary was the son of the late Dr. J.W. (Jimmy) Dobbs, founder of Dobbs Eye Clinic, and Jeneva Dobbs. He grew up in a household that valued integrity, faith, and service, values that would become the bedrock of his life. He was a lifelong resident of Enterprise, Alabama, and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1965. He attended Auburn University where he met his beloved wife Sally Lindsey Dobbs. They were married in June of 1969. After graduating from Auburn University and The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1970, Gary and Sally returned to Enterprise to begin a family. Gary practiced at Dobbs Eye Clinic alongside his father building two other optometry clinics in Geneva and Elba, Alabama. Gary was a long-term member of First Baptist Church Enterprise and carried on his father’s legacy, taking the helm of Dobbs Eye Clinic following J.W.’s passing in 1991. He poured his heart into the practice, building it into a multigenerational clinic.

For Gary, Dobbs Eye Clinic was far more than a profession, it was a family calling. It brought him immense joy to work alongside his children, Dr. Charlene Dobbs Chisum and Dr. James Anthony (Tony) Dobbs for well over 18 years. He often dreamed of the day when even his grandsons would step in to carry on the work of his family building a 4th generation of Auburn graduates and optometrists. Few things brought him greater pride than walking the halls of the clinic and seeing his family serve the community with the same passion and purpose that began with his father decades ago.

Gary’s heart lived at Compass Lake, Florida, his family’s vacation home since his childhood. There, he and his family built not just a home, but a haven. His dock, easily the most ornate and beautiful on the water, was a physical expression of who he was: bold, joyful, and committed to helping others enjoy life. Whether you arrived by boat or by car, you knew right away that fun wasn’t optional; it was expected. Every light, every lounge chair, every detail of that property was designed with one goal in mind: for people to feel welcomed, to laugh a little louder, and to stay a little longer.

In the last chapter of his life, Gary shared a deep and loving bond with his friend and partner, Brenda Goodyear. Their companionship was rich with laughter and love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J.W. (Jimmy) Dobbs and Jeneva Dobbs, as well as his beloved wife of 37 years, Sally Dobbs, who passed away in 2006.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Dr. Charlene Chisum (Les) of Enterprise, Alabama; his son, Dr. Tony Dobbs (Tersea) of Enterprise, Alabama; his grandsons, Mason Reid Chisum and Parker Raymond Chisum; his sister, Teresa Hutchinson (Tom) of Enterprise, Alabama; his niece, Kimberly Watson (Patrick); nephew, Jason Hutchinson; special family, Brenda Goodyear, Kristie Castro (Brad), Oliver, Poppy, and Rhodes Castro, and Brandon Goodyear, all of Enterprise, Alabama.

Dr. Gary Dobbs lived large, loved deeply, and served faithfully. His legacy will not only live on through the generations of his family who carry his name and mission forward, but in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to be loved, treated, or simply welcomed by him.

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home & Crematory with Dr. Ben Bowden officiating and Sorrells Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to First Baptist Church of Enterprise at 302 N Main Street Enterprise, Alabama 36330.

Honorary pallbearers include Les Chisum, Mason Chisum, Parker Chisum, Jason Hutchinson, Brad Castro and Brandon Goodyear.

Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory of Enterprise, (334) 347-9598, is in charge of arrangements. To sign a guest register, please visit www.sorrellsfuneralhomeenterprise.com.