Micheal Dobson, Sr.

Passed 05/23/2023

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.