William Ray Dobbs

WILLIAM RAY (Bill or Joe) DOBBS, JR., 88 of Conroe, Texas passed away Monday, April 21, 2025. William was born on January 27, 1937 to William Ray (Jack) Dobbs, Sr. and Daisy May Hagen in Kilgore, Texas.

The family had a rough start, so William was raised by his mom’s parents Papa & Mama Hagen. During his teen years, he worked and raised his own family; this made it difficult to stay in school. What kept him going was his promise to his grandfather that he would graduate high school. He did graduate from Odessa High School in 1955 and from Odessa College in 1971. Those were definitely proud moments for him.

His career spanned 60+ years in the Oil & Gas industry, where he worked from roughneck, to Tool Pusher, and to Instrument Technician. Bill was a colorful character in his early years, where he also told stories of racing cars, running a gas station, playing football for a minor league team, and driving dangerous truck-loads of explosives and propane.

He loved his family, his friends, his church and work colleagues. (John 13:34-35) He lived life with passion and purpose! He was a member of First Baptist Church of Grangerland for over 20 years.

Remaining to cherish William’s memory:

He is survived by his spouse, Lorana Kay Dobbs, of 36 years.

His surviving brothers and sisters: Teddy Puryear and wife Jeanne, Jimmy Puryear and wife Gayla, Marnet McCann, and Jack Dobbs and wife Carol Fredrek. His Aunt Ione Fouts will be turning 100 this year.

Life is full of joy with a quiver full of children and grandchildren. (Psalm 127:5)

· Pam Marsh - Brandi Jones and spouse April

· Rusty Dobbs and wife Melody – Chris Dobbs and Amanda, Jamie Dobbs and wife Michelle, Jessica Harlow and husband Jimmy, and Landon Baker.

· Mark Dobbs – Jana Milam

· Jane Holbrook and husband Jason – Andrew Kintz and wife Katelyn, Avery Murphy, James Holbrook, Aubrey Murphy, Jon Holbrook and wife Natalie Castro Padovani, Jessica Archer and husband Dakota, Heather Holbrook, Casey Murphy, and Delaney Murphy

· 38 great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Willaim in death are:

· Parents and Grandparents

· Children- Brenda Richardson, Johnny Dobbs, Gary Allison, Kimmi Allison, and Jean Troyer.

· Siblings - Bobbie Adams and Terry Puryear.

· Former spouses- Connie Manning and Sybil Allison.

Memorial Service will be held June 14th, 2025 at 1:00 pm at 15975 FM 3083, Conroe, TX 77302.