Obituary of Kenneth Little Dobbins Sr.

We have lost our beloved and precious father, grandfather, and friend. Kenneth Little Dobbins, Sr. passed away on Friday, Nov 18, 2022, at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Dobbins, 84, was the son of Ellison Heyward Dobbins and Mildred Little Dobbins.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth Little Dobbins, Jr. of Columbia; his daughter, Emily Dobbins Miller (Jeff) of Conway; and his best friend, Carol Jean Funk of Columbia. Ken’s three grandchildren are Ian McLeod Miller, Kenneth Conner Miller, and Abigail Thornton Dobbins. Carol Funk’s children, Shaun Funk (Lynette) and Shannon Richardson (Roger); her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Danielle, Zack, Caroline, Maddie, Anna, Brooke, Cohen, and Parker, were also his “family by choice”. He loved them all dearly. Ken collected a great cast of characters for friends through the ages.

He was a wonderful man, a dear friend to many, a devoted member of Ascension Lutheran Church, and a world traveler. In his earlier life he was an avid off-road motorcyclist. Ken always had a twinkle in his eye, a humorous story to tell, and a loving hand to lend. He enjoyed music and theater, dancing and having fun, and, of course, sharing good food with family and friends. He read a plethora of books and materials of all varieties, with a particular affinity for the American West.

Ken earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of South Carolina and enjoyed a long career in the insurance industry. As an active member and leader of the church, he sang in the choir, played tambourine, and served as the President of the Church Council, and former President of his Homeowner’s Association. He also sang with the Chapin Chirpers and enjoyed every minute of it.

Memorial services will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 827 Wildwood Ave, Columbia, SC, 29203 at 12:00 PM  Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. Please join us in honoring Ken’s memory at the service, and for fellowship afterward in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 827 Wildwood Ave, Columbia, SC, 29203; Boys Farm of Newberry, Post Office Box 713. Newberry, SC 29108; or Fostering Hope of Conway, SC, 308 Elm Street, Conway, SC 29526.

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