Percy Dobbs

Percy Dobbs, 98, of Grayville, Illinois, died Sunday, November 16, 2014, at Wabash Christian Retirement Center in Carmi, Illinois. He was born October 21, 1916 in Yellville, Arkansas, the son of Felix Floyd and Winnie Anne (Moreau) Dobbs. He was married to Marcella M. (Schaich) Dobbs and she preceded him in death on March 26, 2009.

Percy spent the early part of his life in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas while his father sought work in farming and the oilfield. Percy had attended twenty-three different schools by the time he graduated from high school in 1935 in Longview, Texas.

Going from job to job after high school, he finally followed his parents to Grayville in search of work in the oilfield. Not only did he find work but also met (on a blind date) and married Marcella Schaich on June 11, 1942.

Percy achieved the rank of 1st Sgt. in the U.S. Army during World War II. While overseas, he was stationed in France, Belgium, and Germany until he was discharged on December 31, 1945.

After the war, Percy worked at Bovaird Supply Company in Grayville until 1950. At that time, he and coworker, Fletcher Strong, started their own supply company. In 1963, Percy and Marcella became the sole owners of Central Supply Company. The oil business was more than a job to Percy; it was his passion. After sixty-four years of enduring and surviving the many ups and downs of the oil industry, Central Supply continues to be a vital and thriving business.

Gardening and playing golf were two of Percys favorite past times. A highlight of the summer months was spending time in his garden every day after work. He took great pleasure sharing the produce with his friends. During the winter months, he and Marcella enjoyed time in Vero Beach, FL, where he made many friends on the golf course.

Percy took great joy spending time with his family. His church family at First Christian Church in Grayville meant much to him throughout the years, where he had served as elder, deacon, and Sunday School teacher. Percy never met a stranger and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include daughters Marty (Bruce) McCall, Pam (Phillip) Fulford, all of Monticello, Florida; sister JoAnn Wizemann of Arroyo, California; grandchildren Sarah (Eric) Grajales, Beth McCall; step grandchildren Stephen Fulford, Stephanie Chance; great grandchildren Angela Zoe McCall-Freire, Arianna Marie Grajales; step great grandchildren Natalie Gault, Nina Gault, Esther Fulford, Gannett Fulford, Thomas Fulford and Jesse Fulford.

Visitation and funeral are Friday, November 21, 2014, at the First Christian Church in Grayville. Visitation is at noon and funeral is at 2 pm. Burial with military rites will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Grayville.

Visitation: First Christian Church Grayville, November 21, 2014 - 12pm

Service: First Christian Church Grayville, November 21, 2014 - 2pm