It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derek "Dobber" Dobson, a beloved father, friend, and life-long lover of baseball, who left us on June 9, 2025, at the age of forty-four (44).

Born in Dalton, Derek spent his life building a legacy rooted in love, hard work, and the simple joys of life—none more cherished than the time spent with his family and afternoons spent at the ballpark. Whether he was coaching, cheering from the bleachers, playing the game himself, or sharing stories about his favorite teams, baseball and softball were more than pastimes for him, they were a way to bring people together.

He was a devoted father who led by example—with strength, a warm heart, and an unwavering sense of integrity. He taught us how to swing a bat, throw a perfect pitch, and, more importantly, how to show up for the people we love.

Derek is survived by his wife, Sarah; daughter, Jayda; sons, Weston and Deacon; parents, Doyle and Lisa Dobson; sisters, Laura (Silvio) Darbini, Ashley (Chuck) Phillips; sisters-in-law, Stephanie (Brian) Bartlett and Angie Bennett; brother-in-law, Jon (Stacy) Bennett; grandmother, Vera Dobson; father and mother-in-law, Alan and Betty Bennett; and nieces and nephews, Zach and Austin Bennett, Meghan Cantrell, Kendra and Brianna Bennett, Tripp Phillips, and Emma Barbini. Many other relatives and countless friends who were lucky enough to know him also survive him. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Wick Weaver, J.E. and Lucy Glass, Denver and Mary Dobson, Robert and Jenny Lee Bennett; uncle, Roger Weaver; and brother-in-law, Ken Bennett.

Though he has rounded life's final bases, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he so freely gave. We will miss his stories, his laughter, and the way his eyes lit up when someone mentioned the game.

A celebration of Derek's life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Westside Park Miracle Field (1519 Mount Vernon Road, Rocky Face, GA  30740). In lieu of flowers, everyone is asked to wear your favorite jersey and be ready to "play ball" and eat when we gather.

Derek used to say, "There is no crying baseball!" But today we allow ourselves a few tears because a great man has gone home!