George H. Dobbins

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, George H. Dobbins, 93, returned to the good shepherd on May 13, 2014, in Mesa, Arizona. George was born March 23, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York to Edwin and Hilda Dobbins. After high school, George enlisted in the military shortly before Pearl Harbor, and served honorably during his time. Later, George re-enlisted into the Air Force, serving in North Africa, Europe and the Pacific Theatre. He spent much of his career in supply transport and had the opportunity to assist in the Berlin Air-Lift. After 21 years of service, George retired from the military in May 1963 as the Commander of the 3902nd transportation squadron. After George's military career, he joined the civil services of the Federal Highway Administration and was designated Special Agent of Motor Carrier-In-Charge for Arizona, overseeing the compliance of all safety laws of commercial trucks and busses. He began his commission in 1964, serving a significant amount of time as the only investigator in Arizona. Later, George began training other investigators and training police officers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. As a result, he developed very special and close relationships that resulted in the ability to enforce the necessary laws to maintain public safety on Arizona highways. George was awarded the Superior Career Service Award with the Department of Transportation, an honor held in high esteem by law enforcement. He has been awarded numerous other honors for implementation of safety training programs involving commercial vehicles and for the ongoing training of Department of Public Safety Officers. After George retired professionally, he enjoyed golfing and loved spending his time with his family and friends. He was always there for his children and was greatly respected by all he came into contact with. George will be missed dearly. He is survived by his sons, Ronald and Lawrence, daughter, Maya, his four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the National Cemetery of Arizona located at 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024. The family wishes to thank RNs Jim, Kelly, Laura, Social Worker Erica, Chaplains Jenny and June, and Funeral Coordinators Jacqueline and Stephen, for their care and service during this special and trying time.