Bobby “Bob” Joe Dorsey of Fernandina Beach, FL finally tapped in for par on 18 and headed to the Big Clubhouse in the Sky following a life well-lived with many days spent in pursuit of another hole-in-one.
Born in Van, West Virginia February 5, 1931 he embarked on a life of travel and adventures with his family before settling in Fernandina Beach, FL in 1995 where he lived out his final years until his death September 12th, 2023
He was preceded in death by his high school sweetie, soulmate and wife of 59 years, Delores “Janey” Dorsey in 2011; his son, Steven Lee Dorsey in 2021, two grandsons Eric Manning Dobbs in 2021 and Miles Andrew Dorsey in 2023, a great-granddaughter, Hadley Kate Bush in 2015, and long preceded by his parents Oakey and Gladys Nichols, his two sisters, Nell Jean Mills and Juanita Dodson, all from WV.
Surviving members are the last of The Fab Four, his devoted daughter Janice Dorsey Joiner (Mike) of Camden County, Georgia; his daughter-in-love Nancy Terry Dorsey of Lutz, FL and sister-in-laws, more like sisters, Mrs. Sandy Perrine (Warren) of Parkersburgh WV and Mrs. Jan Posey of Camden, SC as well as his “forever wingman and brother” Mr. John Ramsey (Barbara) of Fernandina Beach, FL and their son Thomas Ramsey of Yulee, FL. His cherished grandchildren who called him Poppy are Mrs. Mandy Hambrick (Mark) of Tampa, FL, Mr. Ted Dorsey (Lauren) of St. Petersburgh, FL, Mrs. Kaitlyn Bush (Ryan) of Dunwoody, Georgia and Ms. JaneyGrace Dobbs of Los Angeles, California. Finally he was blessed with a full quiver filled with 9 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren as well as step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. He was also blessed with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends back in West Virginia that kept in touch and beyond that kept in touch.
Bob’s career began 1949 following high school graduation where he lettered all four years in baseball and was class president all four years at Dupont H.S. He enlisted in the Armed Air Force where he sat 1st chair trumpet in their band while stationed in Washington D.C. and Las Vegas. He quickly moved into Ground and Aerial Photography and was sent to serve in the Korean War in 1951. Following marriage to Janey in 1952, he began college and ultimately earned his MBA at Troy University while still active duty. Over his 27year career in the Air Force, his travels with and without his family included overseas tours Thailand and Vietnam, both war time deployments, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Oslo Norway, extensive travels throughout Europe, where he included his family sharing in the experience. Stateside duties were in San Antonio TX, Dover DE, Warner-Robbins GA, and finally finishing his military career as Command CMS in Montgomery AL. He had many stellar moments as a military man as well as impressive accomplishments, among them receiving two Bronze Stars, one for Meritorious Service in a War zone and one for Meritorious Service. Early in his career, he was awarded the honor of selection as Air Force Airman of the Year 1963 and along with Janey, was invited to the White House for a State Dinner with President John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie. He and Janey were also weeklong guests in New York City for the 1964 Worlds Fair where they were guests of Broadway sitting front and center between Bob Hope and Tennessee Ernie Ford watching Carol Channing in “Hello Dolly”. But without a doubt, Bob saw his greatest accomplishment as convincing the Air Force powers-that-be to establish a Senior NCO Academy which was started in 1972 at Maxwell AFB and still stands today as professional military education that educates airmen and soldiers to be professionals who can manage and lead units in the employment of Air and Space power.
As illustrious as his military life was, in 1981 he realized a lifelong dream of becoming a US PGA golf professional and achieved Lifelong status in 1990. He spent his years busy with teaching public and private golf lessons, conducting instructional youth clinics at the municipal course in Fernandina Beach, serving as a tournament rules officiant and doing what he considered his greatest gift to the sport, teaching the next generations to appreciate the game of golf. He volunteer coached the Fernandina Beach Varsity Boys Golf Team for several years. Proudly, he finished out his coaching career alongside Coach Brent Blount, instructing the Girls golf team at Camden County High School in Kingsland GA which included his granddaughter, JaneyGrace, for all four years that she played.
Following the passing of his beloved, Janey in 2011, life slowed down in his favorite beach town. Evenings found him enjoying drinks and dinner with his friend Jeanette Thomas and others and many mornings would start with coffee and tall tales with “The Guys” at James Corbin’s auto garage or at the Fernandina Beach Municipal G.C. Sundays would find him in the pew he shared with Janey for many years at Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach, FL. Frequent visits from family and friends always brought him much joy and opportunities to make more memories.
Cremation will be provided by Oxley-Heard in Fernandina Beach with eventual private interment of his remains, along with his wife’s at the Jacksonville National Cemetery with full military Honors.
Any memorial gifts offered may be directed to ForeHadley, a non-profit organization in honor of Bob’s great-granddaughter that passed away. The foundation has committed, since 2016, to research and support of families that are affected by Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias. A yearly golf tournament in Dunwoody GA is the primary fundraiser and to date has raised over 1,000,000 dollars with their efforts.
You may donate online at: http://forehadley,kindful.com/ or mail donation to: Fore Hadley Foundation, 2472 Jett Ferry Rd., Suite 400-122, Dunwoody, GA 30338.