Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN

Obituary For Micheal Dobson, Sr.

Micheal Dobson, Sr.

Michael was born on November 27, 1954, in Knoxville, TN, to Doris Ann Dobson and William Henry Baker. He was a graduate of the Austin East High School, Class of 1972. Michael was a member of Emmanuel Presbyterian and regularly attended Mount Sinai in Clinton. On August 22, 1987, he married the love of his life, Kim Willis. Mike was the proud father of four, Tiffany, Michea, Michael II, and Jocelyn.

Mike had a passion for people, especially the youth. In 1984, almost forty years ago, he founded the East Knoxville Basketball League (EKBL). Through the EKBL, Coach Mike ignited a passion for basketball and team sports for thousands of children throughout East Tennessee. Additionally, he coached various baseball and tee-ball teams for over thirty years. Coach Mike’s love didn’t stop on the court or field; he was a father figure, mentor, and advisor to any young person that needed love, guidance, or a listening ear.

Not one to be idle, Mike worked at the Department of Energy’s X-10 and Y-12 plants for over thirty-five years. He was known for his jokes, quick wit, and competitive spirit. He also participated on adult softball teams and bowling leagues and had standing poker nights. Rivaling only his love for his family and the EKBL was his love for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, UT Vols, and all local high school sports teams.

Mike departed this life on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at U.T. Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family. He was preceded in death by his mother: Doris Ann Dobson; father: William Baker; grandmother: Nellie Pate Dobson; aunt: Odessa Madison; and brother: Rodney Minor. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Kim Dobson; his four children: Tiffany (Jeremy) Whaley of Nashville, TN, Michea Dobson of College Park, MD, Michael II of Knoxville, TN, and Jocelyn of Nashville, TN; sister: Kim Minor; brother: Jeff (Kizzie) Wallace; grandsons: Justin Lindsey and Xavier Whaley; God daughters: Mya Norman Jefferson Harris and Cherish Brown; special cousins: Ricky (Debra) Madison, Sharon Madison, Marcy (Princeton) McClure; sistersin-law; Elaine Willis of Knoxville, Mary Sue (Gene) Arnwine of Sweetwater, Shonda (Harold) Hall, of Knoxville, Leslie (Cory) Adams of Akron, OH; brothers-in-law: Edward “Toby” (Tina) of Clinton, Anthony (Diane) Willis of Jacksonville, FL, Terrance Willis of Knoxville; devoted friends: Michelle Tatom, Teresa Waters, Joyce Hyatt, Gaylord (Truly) Gibson, Greg (Darlene) Freeman, Sanford (Linda) Smith, John (Kathy) Sims, Terry Essex, Tory McGinnis, Geraud Hall, and Cheryl Ellis; Liz Bliss; and a host of cousins, friends, and loved ones.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 12:00 noon at the Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman St., Knoxville, TN 37915 where Pastor Daryl Arnold is Pastor and Rev. Paul Taylor officiating.

The final resting place will be at the New Grey Cemetery immediately following the service. A dove release will conclude in his honor.

Mr. Dobson will lie in state at the Unity Mortuary Chapel on Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 12-5 p.m.

Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family.

Guest Book

This was a major loss to the East Knoxville youth community. Little Mike your dad was a great man. He will be missed

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Thomas Love.

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Sorry to hear of Michael's passing. May God bless his family with love and understanding.

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Kim and Mike Jr. I pray that God will comfort you and keep you in days to come. Above all things that your hearts will always be filled with sweet memories of each joyful day that you shared here on earth blessing the name of Yahweh together. Teresa and Xalon

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Kim, I don't know if you remember me from Y-12. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband, Gary, worked with and thought the world of Mike. They had some very good times together at Y-12 and he was always coming home with funny stories. You and your family are in our prayers. May God comfort you all in the difficult days to come. God Bless. Mable and Gary Spears

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Dear Kim, wishing your family peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Sincerely, Doris Flack Haywood.

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Kim My deepest sympathy to you and family. I always admired Mike and the two of you. My prayers are with you always. Gloria Lane

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My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

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Kim and family keep looking to the Lord from which cometh our strength. Be strong, Darryl Johnson and family

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Kim and family keep looking to the Lord from which cometh our strength.

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Our Condolences and Prayers to Kim and The Dobson Family on The Homegoing of Big Mike. May The Holy Spirit gives Comfort and Peace to each of you during this difficult time of Bereavement. Jerry and Rose Mary Hall

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Sister, I'm sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know Mike, I do know he was an asset to our youth and he will surely be missed by all. I live and work in Clinton now and I hope that we can stay in touch. Life is way too short to not make memories with the ones that you love and I love you Lafreida 🙂. Tabby

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Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort during this time. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jackie Corpening

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Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want; Our deepest sympathy and may the PEACE of GOD that surpasses all understanding bring comfort to ALL now and forever. Treasure the memories of your Love Ones in your Hearts 💕 forevermore. Continual prayers for ALL in the days, months and years to come. Jamesena West-Hardin & Lillian West-Collins & Families

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Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but I'm here if you ever need anything. Love you. Sonia "Tiffanee" Dye

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Mike was a great man he did a lot for the community's kids will definitely be missed

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Unity Mortuary | Knoxville, TN