I hope this isn't an irreverent thread jack, but my grandfather also passed away last week. I spent a good deal of time around him as a young child, but his health prevented him from traveling much in the last ten years. I wish I had made more efforts to go see him. In fact, I had a trip planned that would have had me out there when he passed, but finances didn't allow it. I urge those of you who are lucky enough to still have your grandparents around to take the time to get to know them while you still can.
I learned several new things about my grandfather from his obituary. He was an even more interesting and accomplished man than I had known.
Ted, your grandfather sounds like a worthy man as well. Peace be with you and yours.
Here's to our fathers, mothers, grandparents, and all those who worked so hard to give us what we have today. I'm going to light up a Cuban in tribute.
I apologize that the obit is so long, but I suppose I can indulge in posting it, he has earned my respect.
SALISBURY -- James Edwin "Ed" Hobbs died of a pulmonary embolism Monday, March 20, 2006, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was 89 years old. His cherished wife, Mickie, was at his side.
Mr. Hobbs was born Dec. 9, 1916, in Salisbury, a son of Woodland and Annie Leigh Hobbs. During his childhood on New York Avenue, he worked tirelessly at his father's side, helping to support the family during the Depression.
After graduating from Wicomico High School in 1933, he worked for Western Union and then Eastern Shore Public Service Co., which became Delmarva Power & Light. He climbed through the ranks from meter clerk and systems operator to vice president and president of the Southern Division and later to assistant to the chairman of the board. He retired in 1981, after 47 years and nine months of service. During this time, he was elected a director of the Maryland-District of Columbia Utilities Association.
In 1942, he married Mary Jane Webster. She died from complications of childbirth in 1945, as did the child, a boy.
In 1946, he married Afton (Mickie) Hepworth of Farmington, Utah. They settled in Salisbury and raised their six children.
Mr. Hobbs served in the U.S. Army as a captain during World War II, mainly serving in the Faculty Coastal Artillery School, and in the Philippines as company commander of a quartermaster depot company. During the Korean War, he was Army adviser to the Korea Electric Power Co.
After leaving the Army Reserve in 1953, he became very active in the Salisbury community, acting as PTA president of Prince Street School, Kiwanis Club president and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce president. He also became an active member and president of the Delmarva Advisory Council Railroad Committee, a citizens committee to save the rail service on Delmarva after the Penn Central Transportation Co. went bankrupt. He was also vice president of the Eastern District of the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce, president of the Wicomico County Electrical Licensing Board and director of the Mid-Delmarva YMCA. He also was very active in the Republican Party of Maryland.
When he was 15 years old, Mr. Hobbs became the second boy in Salisbury to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. His love and support of Scouting continued into adulthood, when he served as district commissioner of the Wicomico District Boy Scouts of America.
An avid tennis fan and player, Mr. Hobbs served as a USTA umpire for 23 years. He umpired at many prestigious events around the country, including the U.S. Open and the Avon Futures Tournament. He also trained other umpires and officiated at many local tournaments. For many years, he and his friends played tennis every morning at the local YMCA and in Salisbury City Park.
After his retirement in 1981, Mr. Hobbs enrolled in Salisbury State College and earned his bachelor's degree in 1985. This was a proud moment for him and his family, as he had been unable to attend college as a young man because of lack of funds during the Depression.
During his retirement, Mr. Hobbs spent many satisfying years as a volunteer in various organizations. He worked inside Wicomico County public schools mentoring disadvantaged children and talking to junior high school classes about career planning. His work with Americans for Competitive Enterprises (ACES) involved arranging visits between teachers and businesses on the Lower Shore. Mr. Hobbs joined the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), helping local small businesses with counseling and encouragement. He was their chairman for two years.
Mr. Hobbs received numerous honors and commendations over the years, covering all his interests and services. Among his most notable were the "Geri," Maryland Outstanding Volunteer Award, Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Inc., in honor of a lifetime of humanitarian community service, especially with children. One of his favorite volunteer assignments was helping area fourth-graders learn water safety as part of the Lower Shore Chapter American Red Cross. He also mentored numerous children at area elementary schools, helping them with their homework and encouraging their success. He was honored by the Wicomico Mentoring Project for his service.
For many years during his retirement he worked for the Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care Inc., serving on the Scientific Affairs and Outcomes Committee.
He also spent many a tax season helping other senior citizens as a volunteer in the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. He was cited by Gov. Parris N. Glendening for his two decades of service on the Wicomico County School Building Commission, helping to assess school buildings all over the county and recommending repairs and new construction.
Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs spent a pleasant retirement traveling the country. They went from coast to coast, participating in Elderhostels and visiting friends and relations. Their children are now scattered from Baltimore to Utah, and they made sure to visit each in turn.
He was known for taking on great responsibilities and serving his community with vigor. Ever supportive of his many children, he provided them with financial support and decades of teaching in frugality and money management. Among his notable qualities were thrift, honesty, a sense of duty to the community and family, and a strong work ethic. He loved local history, big band music, reading, crossword puzzles and being visited by his numerous offspring.
Mr. Hobbs is survived by his loving wife of more than 59 years; five children, Steven E. Hobbs, Alan R. Hobbs and his wife, Debbie, Walter J. Hobbs and his wife, Greta, Ann Hobbs Clay and her husband, Gordon, and Ellen Hobbs Ingerson and her husband, Logan; and 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeff William, who died in 1963. Also left in mourning are his sister, Charlotte Hobbs Parker, and his brother, William P. Hobbs and his wife, Barbara.
