Frank Donald Dobyns Jr
March 14, 1953 - February 19, 2025
Frank Donald Dobyns Jr., a devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at his home in Cookeville, TN. Born on March 14, 1953, in Gary, IN. Frank lived a simple and generous life.
A Vietnam Veteran, Frank honorably served in the United States Army, where his deep sense of duty and commitment to his country became the foundation of his character. He went on to dedicate over 40 years to the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Alaska, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues through his tireless work ethic and integrity.
In his younger years, Frank found joy in golfing and riding motorcycles, embracing adventure whenever he could. In retirement, he cherished life’s simpler pleasures-taking his family out to eat, sharing coffee with his daughter, watching Westerns with his favorite snacks, enjoying the scenery from his porch while sitting in his rocking chair, indulging in well-earned naps and spending time with his furbabies, Gabby and Xena. Above all, he was devoted to his family, always putting their needs above his own. He was best known for the love and care he showed his sweetie, his wife Pamela Dobyns, who preceded him in death.
Frank was also preceded in death by his parents, Frank Donald Dobyns Sr. and Lola Elise Rabe; his son, Matthew Hansen; and his son-in-law, John Erickson.
He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his daughters, Monica Erickson and Lisa Lacy, who are deeply grateful for the life he built for them. His legacy will continue through his grandchildren, Joel Erickson, Megan Erickson, and Xavier Lacy, and step-grandchildren Caleb, Jacob, and Lucas Walker. He is also survived by his three little sisters, Mary Dobyns, Dawn Dobyns, and Kathy Roland, along with several nieces and nephews.
Frank's dedication to his community was reflected through his volunteer work at Heart of the Cumberland, where he made meaningful contributions.
Frank Donald Dobyns Jr. will be remembered for his generous spirit, dedication to his family, and his ability to love unconditionally. His presence will be dearly missed, but the memories of his life will forever remain in the hearts of all he touched.
A celebration of Frank’s life will take place at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home on Friday, March 14. Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service with military honors at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart of the Cumberland at www.heartofthecumberland.org.
Obituary from Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Homes and Cramation Services. Cookeville Chapel
Martin Weinrick
Remembering Frank:
Frank taught me the value of being thorough and observant when doing rounds
Frank gave me the courage to stand up and voice my opinion about an issue during Com Meetings
Frank showed me how to remove a large crude oil spot from one's "go-home" shirt using only Brak-Klean (in the red can)
Frank taught me the dangers of messing with a co-workers PROFS or email account when left unattended
Frank also taught me the value of a sincere apology when asking (humbly) to get one's keyboard returned to normal configuration
Frank was one of the most fair and honest people I ever had the opportunity to work with