Reverend James Aubrey Hobbs, 90, passed away Monday, Dec. 11, 2006 at his home in DeFuniak Springs, FL. He was born 10-31-1916 at Alice Creek in the New Home Community where he lived until families there were resettled due to the property having been purchased by the government.
The Alice Creek settlement is now a part of the Eglin Air Force Base reservation.
Hobbs was an employee of Fisher Hardware Company of DeFuniak Springs. His work consisted of both new home construction and renovation throughout Walton County.
He also owned and managed rental properties providing housing to residents, some were tenants for fifteen years. Hobbs was ordained into the ministry 8-18-1968 and was an associate member of the Graves Baptist Association, and a charter member of Southwide Baptist Church.
During his ministry, Hobbs not only served as pastor but used his carpentry skills in launching building programs. He pastored many area churches, the last being Pleasant Ridge Baptist where his membership remained. Rev. Hobbs was faithful in all things; he loved the Lord, his church and family. He daily studied God’s word and prayed fervently for those around him. He proclaimed the Plan of Salvation and offered counsel at every opportunity.
Hobbs was preceded in death by his wife, Inez Brannon Hobbs, of 62 years; parents, William Henry Hobbs and Mary Blount Hobbs; one brother, Roy Hobbs; two sisters, Ione Spence and Leona Hattaway. He was also preceded in death by two grandchildren, Alex Ken and Albert Lynn Reddick. He is survived by his children, son, Wendell Hobbs and wife, Mary; daughter, Dorothy Vogel and husband, Paul, daughter, Patricia Laird and husband, Larry, daughter, Gloria Gainey and husband, Ronnie, son, Sammy Hobbs and wife, Lina, all of DeFuniak Springs, and son, James E. “Buster” Hobbs of Pensacola, FL; grandchildren, Tony Reddick, Jenny Porter, Lisa Johnson, Andy Hobbs, Kevin Laird, Eric Laird, Clint Gainey, Henry Gainey, Heath Hobbs, and Devin Hobbs; 14 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2006 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home, with Rev. Phil McMillian, Glen Spence, and Dr. Bob Jaye officiating.
Pallbearers were the grandsons.
Memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 1015 Pleasant Ridge Rd., DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.
Burial followed in [Alaqua] Methodist Cemetery.
[Source: The DeFuniak Springs Herald, December 21, 2006, Page 7B]
[Burial: Alaqua Methodist Church Cemetery, Steele Church]