Robert Wilson Woodrow Hobbs was born on March 27, 1947 in Nesbit, Mississippi. He is the second son of Rev. and Mrs. Joseph and Lenora Hardrick Hobbs’ thirteen children. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee at a young age.
Young Robert attended Porter Elementary School. His fondest memory of elementary school is the time when his teacher made him follow her all day holding the hem of her dress. He also attended Porter Junior High School. Robert graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1965.
Robert W. Hobbs (dropping one “W”) was drafted while attending Memphis State University in 1966. In September of that same year, he was sent to Vietnam to fight in the war. His worst shared memory of the war is when four of his friends were killed at about the same time. Robert was wounded while serving his country in Vietnam. A grenade exploded on top of a bag he was using as cover. He received numerous shell fragments in his back and his hearing in one ear was affected. Fortunately, the wound was not too serious.
Robert returned from Vietnam a healthy man in 1967. He received an honorable discharge in 1968. He received numerous medals, awards, and badges during his military career. In March of 1968, Robert was the first black in his company to be selected “Soldier of the Month”. Other commendations includes the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and badges good for conduct, marksmanship, and sharpshooting.
While on leave in December 1967, Robert married his high school sweetheart and fellow classmate, Remell Cobb. After he was honorably discharged from the US Army, Robert began working as a distribution clerk for the United States Postal Service. In January 1969, the Hobbs couple was blessed with their first child. A son, Ronald Christopher Hobbs was born on January 30, 1969.
Robert attended Shelby State Community College in 1971 while working the second shift at the Main Post Office. A second son, Rodney Jerome Hobbs was born April of 1972. In 1973, Robert stopped attending Shelby State where he had an A average. He attended Bodden Tailoring School in 1975 (the same year Robert and Remell bought their home in October 1970 and Remell’s mother, Gertrude Cobb passed January 13, 1975). In April of the following year 1976, a third son, Reginald Ovell Hobbs was born.
Robert’s hard work and dedication at the Post Office earned him several achievement awards from his peers. It also helped him get promoted to Supervisor of Mail Processing in 1979. In June of 1981, Remell gave birth to their first and only daughter, RaDonna Elaine Hobbs. Two years later, Robert was promoted to General Supervisor of Mail Processing.
Robert Hobbs also participated in several athletics. He played on the postal basketball team from 1973 to 1977. His playing was briefly halted when he dislocated his elbow during a game in 1975. He became the coach of the team in 1977. Robert also played on the postal softball team from 1973 to 1978. He began coaching that team in 1978. Both of the organizations and their coach have won numerous tournaments, trophies, and plaques.
Robert did a great job of supporting a family of six, serving his country, and having a successful career with the Unites States Post Office. His latest promotion was Tour Superintendent of Mail Processing Distribution Operations in 1985. Only God knows what the future would be for Robert W. Hobbs, his family, and his career.
Robert retired on April 4, 1998 with a grand affair held at the Hilton Hotel. Mrs. Shri Green was responsible for the most part of it being a wonderful success. After retirement, Robert worked briefly at Memphis Memorial Funeral home helping to park cars.
He loved playing cards and cooking (and eating as he cooked) barbeque on the 4th of July when many family and friends would come over.
He became ill the day Ronald graduated from Christian Brother College in 1990 and had to begin dialysis soon afterwards. He was hospitalized many times for congestive heart failure.
In October 2001, his oldest brother Franklin Delano Roosevelt passed, and our next-door neighbor of 30 years Kathryn Marie Brown passed in December.
On February 2, 2002 after suffering several mini strokes while on the dialysis machine, Robert Wilson Woodrow Hobbs passed. He took his wings and flew away from this world.
Remell said:
He told me that I would be alright and bless God, he was right!
