J. W. Dobson, age 86 of Jasper, passed away Saturday evening, October 29, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.
Visitation Sunday beginning at 5:00 p.m. Funeral service Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Cagle Funeral Home with Reverend Edwin Weaver officiating. Burial with Masonic graveside service at Sunrise Memorial Gardens.

J. W. was preceded in death by his parents, J. E. and Ida Dobson, and his brothers, Golden and Hoyt Dobson.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of more than 64 years, Margaret Dobson, sons and daughter-in-laws, Jeff and Ann, Greg and Tonya, and John and Karen, all of Jasper, daughters and son-in-law, Pam and Shane Griggs of Ellijay and Suzy Buchanan of Jasper, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Macy.

J. W. was born in Cherokee County, Georgia on March 10, 1925 and graduated from Tate High School. He enlisted in the United States Army shortly after his eighteenth birthday and fought in World War II in Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was awarded the World War II Good Conduct and Victory medals, the EAMET Service medal and the American Theater Ribbon.

He was a member of the Marble Hill Masonic Lodge #207 for over 60 years, a member of Scottish Rite and a member of the Yaarab Shrine Center for 18 years.

J. W. was retired from the auto parts and wrecker service business. After retirement, J. W. and Margaret became active members of the Yaarab Shrine Organization. At Margaret’s urging, Jeff, Greg and John also became Shriners. J. W. was known throughout the community for his tireless efforts in raising money for the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. J. W. truly believed the Shriners’ Hospitals to be the world’s greatest philanthropy and collected thousands of dollars to support the mission of the Shriners’ Hospitals – “to provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and certain other special health care needs within a compassionate, family centered and collaborative care environment, to provide for the education of physicians and other health care professionals, and to conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families. This mission is carried out without cost to the patient or family, and without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect.”

J. W. received numerous awards throughout his years as a Shriner. In 2002, J. W. was honored by having the Yaarab Shrine Winter Ceremonial Class named in his honor. At that time, Potentate Michael Hulsey stated “as Potentate of Yaarab Shrine, one of the distinct honors I have is being able to name this ceremonial class after a noble worthy of such an honor.” In 2007, J. W. was presented with the Merit Award by Lou Gaylor, Chief Rabban of Yaarab Shrine. This was a very special honor because there are only six Shriners given this award each year out of approximately 7,000 Shrine members. The Merit Award recognizes the hard work and dedication given by a member to support the Shriners network of 22 pediatric hospitals.

J. W. was a fixture for many years at the 4-way stop in Tate where he collected money for the Shriners hospital fund. His family called it his toll road. J. W. and Margaret were faithful workers at the annual Yaarab Shrine Circus in Marietta where they boiled and sold tons of peanuts each year. They were able to continue their work even after his health declined with help from family members who accompanied them on their annual journey to the circus where they tirelessly worked for more than 10 days each year. They were also able to enjoy many Shriner and fishing trips throughout the Southeastern United States with family. J. W. will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the Yaarab Shrine organization. He set an example for all with his tireless efforts in raising money for this organization that he so strongly believed in.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Yaarab Shrine Hospital Fund in J. W.’s memory. The address is Yaarab Shrine, 400 East Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.